What is the primary purpose of the Substance Dependence Severity Scale (SDSS)?

The primary purpose of the Substance Dependence Severity Scale (SDSS) is to assess the severity of drug use disorder over time. This tool is specifically designed to evaluate how severe a person’s substance dependence is and to track changes in severity throughout the course of treatment or intervention. By focusing on the severity of dependence, clinicians can better understand the challenges faced by individuals struggling with substance abuse and tailor treatment plans accordingly.

The SDSS evaluates various domains related to substance use, including psychological dependence, physical dependence, and social functioning, allowing practitioners to gain a comprehensive overview of the patient's status. This ongoing assessment aids in monitoring progress and adjusting therapeutic strategies, making it an essential tool in clinical settings.

Other options focus on different aspects of substance use that are not the primary intention of the SDSS. For instance, measuring variations in polysubstance use or evaluating the impact on physical health, while important, are not the central goals of this particular scale. Similarly, classifying types of substance use disorders is a different process that requires distinct diagnostic criteria rather than severity assessment.