Suggested specifications for a standardized Addiction Severity Index database

The Addiction Severity Index (ASI) has become one of the most widely used i nstruments in the addictions field. As a result of its wide popularity, the re are multiple versions of the instrument in use, and a wide range of comp uter systems used to collect and/or store ASI data. Thus, it has been diffi cult for different users and systems to share ASI data. This difficulty sig nificantly reduces the value of the information for treatment providers, po licy makers, and researchers. This article provides operational definitions and specifications for a "Standard ASI Database." Descriptions for standar d variable names, data types, field lengths, value labels, range checks, an d programming notes for all items in the fifth edition of the ASI are avail able electronically from the senior. Examples from the full protocol and th e rationale for producing the Standard ASI Database elements are illustrate d here. It is hoped that the format suggested will become the "industry sta ndard" for ASI data storage among all users of the ASI and that, regardless of the software used or the method of data collection, there will be a sin gle, standard format for all ASI databases. The potential applications from such a database would benefit treatment providers/clinicians and researche rs as well as payers and policy makers. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.