Alcohol Use Inventory

The Alcohol Use Inventory (AUI) is used for describing different ways in which people consume alcohol, liquor, wine and beer; the benefits they derive from alcohol use, the negative consequences associated with its use, and the degree of concern individuals express about the use of alcohol and its consequences.

The Alcohol Use Inventory (AUI) is a self-report inventory comprised of 24 scales designed to assess patterns of behavior, attitudes, and symptoms pertaining to the use of alcohol of individuals 16 years of age or older who drink to some extent. It was developed for use with individuals admitted to an alcoholism treatment program. The AUI reflects the multiple condition theory about drinking problems and has evolved from studies of the features of a single aspect of alcoholism. The AUI is not appropriate for use with individuals who do not drink. The AUI is designed to provide operational indicators to describe patterns of alcohol use, allowing mental health workers to identify and understand different kinds of alcoholics.

The Alcohol Use Inventory is a useful assessment tool when working with individuals with alcohol problems. The scales can be interpreted based on the benefits, styles, consequences and concerns associated with alcohol use, and is helpful in treatment. Combination's of scores have been developed into typologies which indicate ways to relate to the client, and can help with treatment planning. Moreover, the AUI is designed to assess the nature of and problems associated with alcohol use pattern in adults and adolescents 16 years of age and over.

Scoring the Alcohol Use Inventory

The Primary Scales focus on the benefits, styles, consequences, and concerns and acknowledgments of drinking. There are six second-level scales derived from factor analysis of the relationships among the primary scales. The third level score is a measure of broad involvement with alcohol. Total raw scores for both the hand scoring and the computerized forms, are plotted on a graph so the decile rank are read.

Alcohol Use Inventory Reliability and Validity

The AUI presents internal consistency reliabilities and test-retest information on the scales from a number of different years and groups. The third-level scale and second-level scales have higher coefficients than the primary scales as expected. Of the Primary Scales, most coefficients ranged from .65-.80. The scales appear to be reasonably associated with problem drinking.

Alcohol Use Inventory Norms

The AUI was standardized on a sample of 1290 people applying for first time inpatient alcohol treatment. The mean age was 39.16, (SD= 11.89) and the mean for years of education were 11.50 (SD= 2.75). There were about5 15% women, 8% Black, and 21% Hispanic. About 45% were married or living in a "marriage-type" relationship. Other than that, there is not a good demographic description of the makeup of the norming group.

Primary Scales Measuring Benefits

• Social Improvement
• Mental Improvement
• Manage Moods
• Marital Coping
• Gregarious
• Compulsive
• Sustained

Alcohol Use Consequences

• Loss of Control
• Role Maladaptation
• Delirium
• Hangover
• Marital Problems

Alcohol Use Concerns and Acknowledgments

• Quantity
• Guilt and Worry
• Help Before
• Receptivity
• Awareness

Alcohol Use Second Level

• Enhanced
• Obsessed
• Disruption 1
• Disruption 2
• Anxious Concern
• Receptive Awareness
• Alcohol Involvement

Administration Time: 35 - 60 minutes.

Population: Adults and adolescents 16 years of age and over.

Authors: John L. Horn; Kenneth W. Wanberg, F. Mark Foster.

Publisher: NCS Assessments.