The Addition Severity Index is a well-known and widely used tool for treating alcoholics and other drug addicts. This is an interview lasting approximately 45-60 minutes consisting of questions about the patient's life. The interview covers eight subscales focused on many different parts of a person's life that help provide a comprehensive understanding of their life. Severity is rated on a ten-point scale ranging from no problem or treatment indicated to extreme problem, treatment absolutely necessary. The scale helps the interviewer determine the severity of the client's problem and plan an effective treatment course. The ASI is also available in a self-administered paper-and-pencil version and in an interactive multimedia version on CD-ROM for computers (Maleka, 2004). This test was found reliable by most participants, but some others disagreed. It is difficult to say whether or not the test is a reliable and valid treatment measure due to the complexity of the questions. Once a client's psychosocial needs are identified, it is easier to find a treatment that is right for that client. There are some problems with the test, as it is not adequately designed to cover such a large population (Maleka, 2004). Other problems include questions that are irrelevant to alcoholics and other drug addicts, difficulty remembering relevant information, and lying and exaggerating information for the patient's best interest (Maleka, 2004). The use of the ASI can be particularly problematic when used with the homeless or with dual diagnosis patients. ASI can be used in a wide range of therapeutic settings, including clinical, research, and administrative settings. This comprehensive assessment is a useful tool that helps professionals understand the