ADDICTIVE DISORDERS Comparing the Addiction Severity Index Multimedia Version to the Standard Addiction

Is the Addiction Severity Index–Multimedia Version a viable alternative to the expensive and potentially unreliable Standard Addiction Severity Index? The Addiction Severity Index– Multimedia Version is a CD-ROM based simulation of the interviewer-administered Standard Addiction Severity Index (ASI-MV, 2003). This study has clients in treatment self-administer the Addiction Severity Index – Multimedia Version to examine the test-retest reliability, criterion validity, and construct validity of the Addiction Severity Index – Multimedia Version. Test-retest reliability and Criterion validity will be tested against the Standard Addiction Severity Index. The Addiction Severity Index–Multimedia Version will be compared to the Standard Addiction Severity Index in construct validity for both composite scores and severity ratings. This study shows that the Standard Addiction Severity Index is outdated, time consuming and very expensive to administer and score. This study also shows that the Addiction Severity Index– Multimedia Version is an excellent alternative to the Standard Addiction Severity Index as an assessment tool in intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment centers.