What does the Impaired Control Scale (ICS) assess?

The Impaired Control Scale (ICS) is specifically designed to assess an individual's attempts to control their drinking behavior over a specified period, typically the past six months. This focus on control is crucial for understanding the severity of a person's alcohol use disorder, as it directly relates to their ability to manage their consumption and the impact it has on their daily life. By evaluating the individual's experiences and efforts to limit or stop drinking, the ICS provides valuable insight into their level of dependency and the challenges they face within their substance use.

In contrast, assessing social consequences or physical health impacts addresses different aspects of alcohol use that may not directly reveal the level of impaired control over drinking. While history of alcohol-related incidents might indicate a pattern of behavior, it doesn’t specifically focus on the individual's attempts to exert control, which is the primary purpose of the ICS. Thus, the correct answer highlights the scale's aim to pinpoint the struggles of self-regulation in the context of alcohol consumption.