Substance Use Severity and Recovery Functioning Among Individuals With Substance Use Disorders

Abstract

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are associated with difficulties in psychological functioning, treatment engagement, and long-term recovery. The present study examined the relationship between substance-use severity and recovery functioning among individuals with SUDs. A quantitative correlational research design was employed with 150 adults who were currently receiving treatment or had previously received treatment for substance-related problems. Substance-use severity was assessed using the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) and the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI), while recovery functioning was assessed using the Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS). The findings indicated significant negative relationships between DAST scores and recovery functioning and between SASSI scores and recovery functioning. A significant positive relationship was also observed between DAST and SASSI scores. The findings highlight the importance of assessing substance-use severity alongside recovery-related functioning and may support psychological assessment and rehabilitation planning for individuals with SUDs.