Concurrent and predictive validity of the Substance Dependence Severity Scale (SDSS)

This study investigated the concurrent and predictive validity of the Subst ance Dependence Severity Scale (SDSS), a clinician-administered interview d esigned to assess the severity and frequency of DSM-IV dependence symptoms for a range of substances. A total of 172 (107 males and 66 females) treate d substance users participated in the study. Of those, 89% (n = 153) receiv ed at least one follow-up interview within 1-6 months of an initial assessm ent. For alcohol, cocaine and heroin, convergent and discriminant validity was supported by significant relationships between SDSS scores at baseline and other baseline measures of substance use consequences, such as the Addi ction Severity Index (ASI), as well as significant relationships between SD SS change scores from baseline to follow-up and change scores of other meas ures of consequences. SDSS scores were significantly associated with time t o first post treatment use of alcohol, cocaine and heroin, although the nat ure of the associations was complex. Scale applications and areas for furth er study are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights r eserved.