Users’ opinions concerning a clinical assessment procedure based on the Indice de gravité d’une toxicomanie (IGT/ASI)
The Addiction Severity Index (ASI), in French the Indice de gravité d’une toxicomanie (IGT), is one of the tools most frequently used to evaluate and refer drug addicts. Since evaluation is the first contact between the person asking for help and the clinical environment, it is a determining factor in the client’s involvement in his treatment. This study specifically focuses on the user’s perspective in regard to the IGT evaluation. In all, 306 participants completed a questionnaire following their evaluation meeting. Nine of them were invited to join a discussion group. The results indicated that 80% of the clients were very satisfied with their contact with the evaluator. A little more than 74% of the respondents indicated that the IGT interview enabled them to acquire a better understanding of their difficulties. The questions it involved were considered clear and relevant. The users emphasized that it had been difficult for them to remember certain facts related to their dependence on alcohol or drugs. Women, the elderly and users referred to mental health services reported having more difficulty in completing certain portions of the IGT. In spite of the weight of the tool and the intrusive nature of certain questions, it appears that it was well accepted by users because it is administered in a friendly environment by evaluators who are empathetic. This context is conducive to the development of a therapeutic relationship between the client and the practitioner.