The interview is generally arranged with diagnostic criterion labels on the left, questions in the center, and answer codes on the right. A different letter in each section precedes question numbers. Section A contains demographic questions, Section B is for tobacco, Section C is for alcohol, Section D is for drugs, and Section E covers caffeine. The SAM includes questions about the onset and recency of specific symptoms, as well as the specific withdrawal symptoms and physical, social, and psychological consequences for each category of substances used by the respondent. In addition, the SAM can be used to ascertain whether criteria have been met for a diagnosis.
Information is obtained about the severity and course of each disorder.
The SAM also assesses the respondent's impairment and treatment seeking. Finally, because of the significant associations between disorder and demographic characteristics, the SAM elicits information about parental absence during childhood, marital status, parenthood, educational achievement, and employment, in addition to the general demographic items. Requirements for the computerized SAM are given on the price list below. Training Training usually requires 3 to 5 days. Clinicians generally require less practice than do lay interviewers.