Adolescent obsessive-compulsive drinking scale: An assessment tool for problem drinking

Alcoholism has been studied in adults and found to share obsessive-compulsi ve characteristics. The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOC) was us ed to quantify the measurements of this disorder. This study adapted the YB OC for use with adolescents/young adults in an attempt to measure the "crav ing" expressed as obsessive and compulsive phenomenon. The primary findings show that the obsessive compulsive dimensions of alcohol cravings, as de s cribed in adult populations, also exist in adolescent/young adults. The Ado lescent Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (A-OCDS) was developed utilizin g idioms and language typical for the 17-20 age group. Various quantitative evaluations proved that the Interference and Irresistibility sub-scales we re the primary dimensions causing the obsessive behavior. This study begins to address this aspect of adolescent substance abuse utilizing a tool that is easy to administer. Because of the ease of use, although not a diagnost ic instrument, the A-OCDS may be useful For identifying problem drinking in adolescents as well as detecting impairment in function related to drinkin g.