Which scale focuses on attempts to regain control over drinking?

The Impaired Control Scale is specifically designed to evaluate an individual's attempts to control their drinking behavior. This scale assesses the extent to which a person feels they have lost control over their alcohol consumption, an important aspect of understanding substance use disorders. A key component of this scale is how it measures the difficulties individuals experience when trying to cut down or stop drinking, effectively capturing their subjective sense of control.

This focus on control is essential for clinicians when assessing the severity of a substance use disorder and developing treatment plans. Recognizing that individuals often struggle with their ability to manage their drinking highlights the psychological and behavioral elements involved in addiction.

In contrast, other scales mentioned may evaluate different aspects of alcohol use and dependence. For instance, the Alcohol Dependence Scale primarily assesses the presence and severity of alcohol dependence criteria, while the Substance Dependence Severity Scale looks at the overall severity of substance dependence across various substances. The Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale examines compulsive drinking behaviors, making it less focused on the broader attempts to control drinking. Thus, the Impaired Control Scale stands out in its dedicated assessment of the individual's struggles with regaining control over their drinking.