The Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ) in a Sample of Irish Problem Drinkers

Summary Validation of the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ) was attempted in a sample of 102 Irish problem drinkers. Analysis of questionnaire responses showed reasonable accord with the findings of the designers of the SADQ, suggesting that the questionnaire is a useful and valid instrument for the investigation of alcoholics. The findings gave qualified support for the concept of the alcohol dependence syndrome. Maximum agreement with a findings gave qualified support for the concept of the alcohol dependence syndrome. Maximum agreement with a clinician's rating of moderate and severe dependence was achieved at a cut‐off score of 30 on the SADQ. Results also suggested it might be possible to use the SADQ to distinguish between minimal and mild to moderate dependence.