Assessing Alcohol and Drug Problems among Adolescents: Current Practices

Abstract

The purpose of this research project was to survey current methods and problems in the assessment of alcohol and drug problems among adolescents. Professionals from seventy facilities in nineteen states and Washington, D.C. were interviewed. Basic findings reveal that: 1) many facilities used locally developed or informal means of assessment, or questionnaires originally designed for adult populations; 2) all facilities assessed areas of the adolescent's life beside alcohol/drug use, but the number of areas explored and methods used to assess them varied greatly; 3) the majority of facilities contacted expressed an interest in being involved in research about adolescent assessment.