DASES

Assess drug avoidance self-efficacy with our Drug Avoidance Self-Efficacy Scale (DASES) template. Download a PDF copy here.

By Liliana Braun on Aug 2, 2025.

Fact Checked by Gale Alagos.

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What is the Drug Avoidance Self-Efficacy Scale (DASES)?

The Drug Avoidance Self-Efficacy Scale (DASES) is a validated psychometric tool designed to measure an individual's confidence in resisting drug use in various situations. It is rooted in self-efficacy theory, which highlights the belief in one’s ability to manage challenging situations as a key factor in behavioral change. DASES is often used in addiction research institutes and clinical settings to assess individuals with substance use disorders or those exhibiting addictive behaviors.

Developed to provide insights into substance use behaviors, the scale is particularly effective among young multiple drug users, offering predictive value in determining the likelihood of subsequent drug use. The scale evaluates a person’s ability to avoid drug use when exposed to triggers like peer pressure, stress, or environments conducive to illicit drug use disorders.

DASES plays a critical role in mental health and therapeutic interventions that empower clients to enhance their self-efficacy. Its application in mental health nursing and addiction treatment supports practitioners in identifying areas where individuals may require additional support to achieve positive outcomes.

Through exploratory factor analysis, principal components analysis, and with high values in all the comparative indices, DASES has demonstrated reliability in capturing the multifaceted nature of drug avoidance across diverse populations (Martin, et al., 1995). The tool informs the design of tailored interventions and therapeutic interventions based on self-efficacy and empowerment. Ultimately, the DASES aids healthcare professionals in equipping clients with the skills and confidence needed to resist drug use and navigate high-risk situations successfully.

DASES Template

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How to use our DASES template

Our DASES template is designed to provide you with a structured approach in assessing self-efficacy in avoiding drug use. The following are steps you can follow in using this test in your practice:

Step 1: Download the template

Access and download the Drug Avoidance Self-Efficacy Scale (DASES) template from this guide. You can choose "Use template" to customize, send, or print it within the Carepatron platform or click "Download" to access a fillable PDF.

Step 2: Set the context

Explain to the respondent that the assessment focuses on understanding their ability to avoid drug use in challenging situations. Ensure they are comfortable and in a private setting for honest responses.

Step 3: Read each scenario carefully

Present the 16 scenarios, each depicting a situation that may trigger drug use. Instruct the respondent to reflect on how they would react and select their response using the 7-point scale provided.

Step 4: Compute score and interpret

After the respondent finishes the test, compute the total score and interpret it based on the guidelines provided in the template.

Scoring and interpretation

To calculate the total score for the Drug Avoidance Self-Efficacy Scale, sum the values of all 16 responses, each scoring between 1 and 7. The total score ranges from 16 to 112, with higher scores indicating stronger self-efficacy in resisting drug use across various scenarios.

The scores are then interpreted according to the following guidelines:

High (82-112): Substance users display an excellent level of drug avoidance self-efficacy. This level signifies that substance users already mastered, controlled, and dominated their addiction and pleasure when taking drugs.
Moderate (49-81): Substance users experience a good level of drug avoidance self-efficacy since they can control and prevent themselves from using drugs. Substance users are suggested to increase their efforts in indulging themselves in substance use.
Low (16-48): Substance users have a greater tendency to indulge themselves in drug use since personal and environmental factors highly influence them. Substance users were not able to master and control themselves and their environment to avoid using drugs.

Next steps after using the scale

The following steps can then be taken after the respondent accomplishes the scale:

Interpret results

After administering the Drug Avoidance Self-Efficacy Scale (DASES), review the total score to gauge the client’s self-efficacy in avoiding drug use or the level to which they exhibit addictive behaviors. Low scores indicate areas of vulnerability that may require focused attention.

Develop therapeutic strategies

Use the insights from the results to design evidence-based interventions tailored to scenarios where clients demonstrate low self-efficacy. These strategies can include motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or other methods targeting behavioral modification.

Tailor interventions

For individuals with substance use disorders or those exhibiting addictive behaviors, focus on addressing specific high-risk situations highlighted in the DASES. Interventions should aim to build confidence and foster the skills needed to resist drug use.

Monitor progress

Re-administer the scale at regular intervals to track progress. Improvements in scores over time can indicate the effectiveness of therapeutic approaches. Intraclass correlation coefficients and comparative indices can offer further insights into the results.

Inform broader practice

Utilize data from the DASES to contribute to public health initiatives and addiction research. Insights can support efforts to predict subsequent drug use, inform intervention programs, and enhance understanding of substance use behaviors in various populations.

By incorporating the DASES into clinical workflows, healthcare professionals can empower clients to achieve positive outcomes and long-term resilience against drug use.

References

Martin, G. W., Wilkinson, D. A., & Poulos, C. X. (1995). The drug avoidance self-efficacy scale. Journal of Substance Abuse, 7(2), 151-163. https://doi.org/10.1016/0899-3289(95)90001-2

Commonly asked questions

The Drug Avoidance Self-Efficacy Scale (DASES) evaluates a person’s ability to resist drug use in high-risk situations and measures their self-efficacy regarding drug avoidance.

The Drug Avoidance Self-Efficacy Scale (DASES) uses a 7-point scale to assess responses. Total score is then computed by summing the responses. Higher scores indicate greater self-efficacy in avoiding drug use.

Healthcare professionals can use the Drug Avoidance Self-Efficacy Scale (DASES) to tailor therapeutic interventions and predict drug use behaviors in clients, guiding treatment plans for substance use disorders.