The Adolescent SASSI - notes for Commissioners

Social Exclusion:
Because it does not rely solely on the client’s self-report, but accesses more subtle indicators of substance misuse, the SASSI directly addresses the hard to reach, health inequalities, and social exclusion agendas.. In other words, the SASSI identifies clients other screening instruments cannot reach. Often, it is precisely those young people who are most at risk, most deprived and most alienated who are least willing or able to acknowledge that they have a drug or alcohol problem. Some will know they have a problem but will fear loss of face, autonomy or peer status if they disclose, some will practice self-deception, re-framing their pattern of substance misuse as a lifestyle choice; an integral symbol of their street credibility. Others will genuinely not realise that their substance misuse is a problem; will fail to make the connection between their life problems and their use of substances; will continue to try to convince themselves that their usage is “recreational” and that they still have control. The SASSI cuts through these smokescreens, and enables the practitioner to see the true nature and status of the young person’s alcohol or drug problems.

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