Assessment of Severity of Substance use for Outcomes Research and Treatment (ASSORT): A substance use severity scale developed and validated across six tertiary care centers in India.

Background And Aims: Assessment of the severity of substance use disorders (SUDs) in a culture-sensitive manner can help gauge the current condition of the substance user and assess change with time. The present study aimed to develop a scale for the assessment of the severity of SUDs in the Indian clinical context.

Methods: Based upon the review of literature on previously available instruments and a consultative meeting of experts, a clinician-rated scale was developed that finally comprised 41 items.