Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS)

The ADS is a 25-item self-report scale designed to measure the severity of alcohol dependence symptoms according to the alcohol dependence syndrome concept. Developed by Skinner and Allen in 1982, it focuses on dependence-specific features (withdrawal, tolerance, loss of control, continued use despite harm) rather than social consequences alone. The ADS is widely used in addiction medicine, treatment outcome research, and clinical settings to assess dependence severity, guide detoxification planning, and track treatment response in individuals with alcohol use disorder.