Addiction Severity Index: experience in the field.

Since its introduction in 1979, the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) has become one of the world's most widely used instruments in substance abuse treatment and research. Its wide acceptance suggests that enhancements of the ASI based upon users' experience would be of considerable value to clinicians and researchers. ASI users are the best source of information regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the instrument, adequacy of the ASI manual, requirements for training ASI interviewers, etc. This paper reports findings from a survey of 25 ASI users in the United States. Topics covered include reasons for selecting the ASI, modifications to the instrument made in response to site-specific requirements, and suggestions regarding enhancements which would promote its appropriate use by well-trained interviewers.