The Substance Dependence Severity Scale (SDSS) is primarily used for what purpose?

The Substance Dependence Severity Scale (SDSS) is primarily used to assess the severity of addiction. This scale quantifies various levels of substance dependence and provides a structured approach to evaluating an individual's substance use and the impact it has on their daily life. It is designed to capture the multifaceted nature of addiction, including physical, psychological, and social dimensions of substance use disorders.

By focusing on various criteria such as tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and the extent of social or interpersonal issues related to substance use, the SDSS helps counselors and clinicians determine the appropriate level of care and treatment needed for individuals dealing with substance dependence. This makes it an invaluable tool in both clinical settings and research related to substance abuse.

The other options, such as legal evaluations, employment assessments, and personality assessments, do not align with the primary intent of the SDSS, which is solely focused on understanding and measuring the severity of addiction rather than evaluating personal characteristics or suitability for legal or employment situations.