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Critical issues in adolescent substance use assessment.
1Center for Studies of Addiction, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
|July 31, 1999
Summary
Assessing adolescent drug and alcohol use is complex. This paper offers a practical framework, informed by the Comprehensive Adolescent Severity Inventory (CASI), to guide clinical and research staff in making accountable assessment decisions.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Psychology
- Adolescent Psychiatry
- Substance Abuse Research
Background:
- Adolescent drug and alcohol assessment is clinically complex despite technological advances.
- Existing literature often addresses isolated aspects rather than providing an integrated overview.
- Effective assessment requires skillful implementation across diverse service systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize theoretical, research, and clinical issues into a practical assessment framework.
- To provide guidance for clinical and research staff involved in adolescent substance use assessment.
- To address the need for accountable and appropriate assessment procedures.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing theoretical, research, and clinical perspectives.
- Informed by 8 years of development and testing of the Comprehensive Adolescent Severity Inventory (CASI).
- Development of a practical framework for assessment decision-making.
Main Results:
- A synthesized framework integrating key issues for adolescent assessment.
- Practical guidance derived from extensive research and clinical experience.
- The framework is designed for use by staff making assessment decisions.
Conclusions:
- The developed framework enhances the accountability and appropriateness of adolescent drug and alcohol assessment.
- The Comprehensive Adolescent Severity Inventory (CASI) informed the practical application of the framework.
- Integrated assessment approaches are crucial for addressing adolescent substance involvement effectively.