Evaluating an Addictions Assessment Tool

Order Description
Readings/ References;

Gupta, R., Nower, L., Derevensky, J. L., Blaszczynski, A., Faregh, N., & Temcheff, C. (2013). Problem gambling in adolescents: An examination of the pathways model. Journal of Gambling Studies, 29(3), 575–588.
Problem Gambling in Adolescents: An Examination of the Pathways Model by Gupta, R.; Nower, L.; Derevensky, J.; Blaszczynski, A.; Faregh, N.; Temcheff, C., in Journal of Gambling Studies, Vol. 29/Issue 1. Copyright 2013 by Human Sciences Press – Journals. Reprinted by permission of Human Sciences Press – Journals via the Copyright Clearance Center.

Focus on the three Pathways (pp. 577–578).
Larimer, M. E., Cronce, J. M., Lee, C. M., & Kilmer, J. R. (2004/2005). Brief intervention in college settings. Alcohol Research & Health, 28(2), 94–104.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Focus on the section titled “Advantages and Efficacy of Screening and Brief Interventions in College Populations,” paying particular attention to the direct effect of assessment on substance use.
Muñoz, Y., Chebat, J-C., & Borges, A. (2013). Graphic gambling warnings: How they affect emotions, cognitive responses and attitude change. Journal of Gambling Studies, 29(3), 507–524.
Graphic Gambling Warnings: How they Affect Emotions, Cognitive Responses and Attitude Change by Muñoz, Y.; Chebat, J.; Borges, A., in Journal of Gambling Studies, Vol. 29/Issue 1. Copyright 2013 by Human Sciences Press – Journals. Reprinted by permission of Human Sciences Press – Journals via the Copyright Clearance Center.

Focus on the section titled “Use of Graphic Images” (p. 510).
Nagy, T. F. (2011). Ethics in psychological assessment. In Essential ethics for psychologists: A primer for understanding and mastering core issues (pp. 171–183). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Focus on the reasons behind selection of different types of assessments and why multiple assessments might be needed. This article also includes excellent information on ethics of assessment.
Samet, S., Waxman, R., Hatzenbuehler, M., & Hasin, D. S. (2007). Assessing addiction: Concepts and instruments. Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, 4(1), 19–31. Retrieved from https://archives.drugabuse.gov/pdf/ascp/vol4no1/Assessing.pdf

Focus on the types of assessments used for addictions treatment and the characteristics of each that might elicit data relevant to addictions rather than some other type of psychiatric disorder. Table 1 on p. 25 provides a snapshot of many common addictions assessments.
Suissa, A. J. (2011). Vulnerability and gambling addiction: Psychosocial benchmarks and avenues for intervention. International Journal Of Mental Health & Addiction, 9(1), 12–23.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Focus on the section titled “A Hidden Area of Vulnerability: Internet Gambling.” It is suggested that the entire article be read, as it is important. In particular, it provides good information on gambling addiction.
Assignment:

Addictions professionals can choose from many types of tools. Addictions assessments are divided into screening and assessment tools. Addictions screening tools are meant to determine if an addiction might be a possibility; they are not intended to diagnose. Addictions professionals use them to gain a basic idea of an individual’s orientation to an addiction. Addictions assessment tools are typically geared toward detecting dependence on or addiction to a specific, identified substance or behavior. These tools are broader in scope and often take special training and considerable time to administer.
The difficulty often is not in finding a tool to use with a client, but rather in choosing the most effective and appropriate tool from a wide variety. Though choices of screening and assessment tools is often made by the organization in which an addictions professional works, many considerations including cost, time to administer, training, and accuracy enter into the selection of the right test for each individual with a potential substance or process addiction. Thus, it is important that addictions professionals be familiar with the tools available to them and understands the effectiveness of these tools in assessing what they are intended to assess.
In this Assignment, you select one assessment tool from several well-known addictions assessment tools and research and provide an evaluation of its purpose, administration, and efficacy.
To prepare:

Review the Learning Resources, including the following:
“Brief Intervention in College Settings”
“Ethics in Psychological Assessment”
“Assessing Addiction: Concepts and Instruments”
Assignment Directions:

Select one of the following assessment tools, found in this week’s Learning Resources:

Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory-3
The Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test
The Addiction Severity Index
Research and select two articles of your choice on your chosen addictions assessment tool.

Submit a 2- to 4-page critique of the addictions assessment tool you chose. Include the following:
Brief purpose of the assessment
Reliability of the assessment
Validity of the assessment
Type of normative data the assessment assesses
Time of administration
Cost
Reading level, if known
Any special administration considerations (e.g., need for a computer or special training)
Benefits and limitations
Overall utility of the test in an addictions assessment