Scaling the developmental momentum of alcoholic process via the lifetime alcohol problems score.

This paper outlines background issues and theoretical underpinnings for a time-based, dimensional measure of problem alcohol involvement which recasts the occurrence of alcohol-related clinical symptomatology within a developmental context. The measure is constructed of three component subscores which assess onset, variety, and life-invasiveness of alcoholic symptomatology. Measurement characteristics of LAPS are presented and initial validity studies with the index are described. The data illustrate both the heuristic and practical value of using such a contextual framework, and the measure shows promise for use in prospective research as well as in applied settings.