The Addiction Severity Index or ASI is a tool which is used to identify addictive behavior. This assessment is given to those who are suspected of having engaged in drug use. There are many different areas including ones which gather information relating to the patient’s past and current employment,the study of medical history, the background of alcohol and drug use and family history. All of these different parts are meant to effectively gather information on the patient to determine whether or not they have an addiction to drugs and if so just how severe it really is.

The assessment also includes a look at the mental health history. The severity rating goes from o to 9, indicating the severity of each of the problem areas listed. When all of the information is collected and analyzed, an accurate rating can be given regarding the patient’s severity of addiction. The Addiction Severity Index or ASI is commonly used in studies which strive to get results for certain treatments which may prove to be useful as a solution to certain drug addictions.

The factors that are analyzed become part of a useful tool in mental health settings, addiction clinics as well as hospitals. The Addiction Severity Index can be used to look into potential drug treatments which are then used in certain rehabilitation facilities. The numbers are analyzed to help determine the effectiveness of certain medications in relation to addiction. Psychological problems are studied in relation to chemical issues and personal history.

This assessment is used in various clinical trials. The ASI has been in use for a number of years and continues to help researchers and medical professionals with finding a better solution to addiction treatments, many of which are being discovered and developed each day. It covers a number of factors, both past and present, to come up with a rating that represents the patient’s addiction. Determining the severity of an addiction helps to design the program, treatment and challenges. The many successes in the development of certain addiction solutions is apparent and they were only possible because of the ASI.