Frequently Asked Questions - ASI

The Addiction Severity Index (ASI)

Q: What instruments or assessment tools are required for the LACES evaluation?

A: Initially, the evaluation relied heavily on the Addiction Severity Index (ASI; see below for more information on the ASI). However, due to changes at the state and federal level, the evaluation is now using the Los Angeles County Participant Reporting System (LACPRS) admission and discharge questions.

Q: Why would changes at the state and federal government levels affect a county evaluation?

A: The state and federal governments must monitor government-funded alcohol and other drug treatment. Changes made at the state and federal levels concerning information collected at the beginning of treatment, during treatment, and at the end of treatment will affect what information is collected at the county level.

Q: If the evaluation is no longer relying exclusively on the ASI, do we still have to be trained on its administration and are we required to continue its use?

A: Whether a particular agency should use the ASI or not has been left up to the executive directors at the various treatment agencies across Los Angeles County. Some have chosen to continue its use, some have chosen to discontinue its use, and others have modified their existing systems to include ASI-like questions. The Community Assessment Service Centers (CASCs), managed by the Alcohol and Drug Program Administration (ADPA), continue to use the ASI.

Q: What is the Addiction Severity Index (ASI)?

A: The ASI is a scientifically valid assessment instrument used to obtain information from those seeking treatment for substance use/abuse. The instrument requests information from the treatment participant in a number of areas of their life that may be impacted by the use of alcohol and/or other drugs. Those areas cover medical, employment, family and social relationships, legal issues, and psychiatric concerns.

Q: How long does it take to administer the ASI?

A: If you are not already using the ASI or are not familiar with it, it will take approximately 45 to 60 minutes. This is in addition to the usual time for intake.

Q: Will we have to enter the ASI at intake if the participant is referred from another provider that administered the ASI?

A: The ASI data is good for 30 days. As long as the ASI was administered within the previous 30 days, then a second administration is unnecessary.

Q: How often will providers get feedback?

A: Feedback from the ASI is provided just after the information is entered into the computer system. Providers have the option to print a report that details the participant’s responses at the conclusion of the assessment.