Development and Validation of the Recognizing Addictive Disorders Scale: A Transdiagnostic Measure of Substance-Related and Other Addictive Disorders

Abstract

Objective

Substance use disorders and behavioral addictions commonly co-occur. However, few available self-report measures reliably and validly assess the full range of addictive conditions. The development and initial validation of a new measure—Recognizing Addictive Disorders (RADs) scale addresses a significant gap in the literature. Method: After items were generated and evaluated in Study 1, Study 2 (N = 300), applied exploratory factor analysis to the item pool using an online-based community sample. In Study 3 (N = 427), the factor structure was validated using an independent online-based community sample and confirmatory factor analysis. Results: The scale demonstrated good internal consistency (a = .92) and construct validity, including replication of the factor structure (χ² (553) = 760.83, p < .001, CFI = .997, TLI = .997, RMSEA = .030) and correlation with a related transdiagnostic measure of addiction (r = .72). Discussion: Overall, results support the preliminary validity of a brief transdiagnostic measure of addiction that considers a diverse range of behaviors. For patients presenting to substance abuse treatment, this tool may be useful in identifying symptoms of other types of non-substance problems, which could ultimately aid in treatment planning.

Keywords:

• Addictive behaviors
• scale development
• substance use disorders
• transdiagnostic

Declaration of interest

The authors (Carr, Saules, Ellis, Staples, Ledgerwood, and Loverich) report no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse under Grant T32 DA019426; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation Student Award Program under Grant 2385.SAP; Eastern Michigan University Graduate Student Research Support Fund. The NIDA grant number has been corrected. The Eastern Michigan University Graduate Student Research Support Fund does not have a grant number associated with the funds.