Factor analysis of the Alcohol and Drug Confrontation Scale (ADCS)

The Alcohol and Drug Confrontation Scale (ADCS) is a 72-item instrument that defines confrontation as an individual being told “bad things” might happen if they do not make changes to address alcohol or drug problems or maintain sobriety. Preliminary assessment of the ADCS using substance abusers entering SLH's revealed: (1) scale items were frequently endorsed; (2) confrontation was often experienced as accurate and helpful; and (3) confronters' statements were viewed supportive and accurate. This study reports the results of a factor analysis on a larger sample 179 participants using baseline and 6 month follow-up data. Results yielded a clear two factor solution: (1) Internal Support (alpha = 0.80) and (2) External Intensity (alpha = 0.63). The two factors accounted for 58% of the variance. The ADCS offers a fresh and broader view of confrontation that can be reliably measured.