Brief description
The DEP-ADO was designed to identify the problematic use of alcohol and other drugs. It is made up of eight questions addressing frequency of use in the past 12 months, substance use in the past month, the age of initiation, injection drug use, number of five or more drinks in a single occasion in the past 30 days and last 12 months, the negative effects associated with substance abuse (six domains covered); and the frequency of cigarette use. It was developed in Quebec and was tested with a French-speaking population, although an English-language version is also available. The DEP-ADO was designed for frontline workers.
Appropriate target populations
Adolescents aged 14 to 19 in community- as well as clinic–based populations.
Administration options
Formats available
_X_ self-administered (paper-and-pencil)
___ self-administered (computer)
_X_ clinician-administered
The DEP-ADO is designed in an interview format but can be used as a self-report tool if the interviewer is available to answer any questions.
Time required
Completion time is estimated at between five to 10 minutes.
Languages available
_X_ English
_X_ French
___ Other
Accessibility and cost
_X_ no charge for use
___ use requires permission of test developer
___ use requires special training and/or professional or academic credentials
___ fee for use
Where to access
Recherche et intervention sur les substances psychoactives
Summary of test development data
Quality of reporting
High, based on STARD rating (see Appendix, p. 76).
Summary of validity and reliability data
Moderate, largely because there is no reliability data and only one study of validity.