The Addictive Behavior Questionnaire (ABQ) is a self-assessment tool used in conjunction with a Voice Therapy approach to addiction treatment (see related article on page 49). It is not scored, but is designed to assist the individual client in thinking through key questions related to addictive behavior. The ABQ is intended only to provide supplemental information that may be used in practice. No clinical decisions should be made on the basis of the ABQ or any other single instrument. Instructions: Circle the frequency with which you experience the following critical inner voices.

0 1 2 3 4 You need a drink (hit, pill) so you can relax.

0 1 2 3 4 You went off your diet again! You have no will power.

0 1 2 3 4 You’ve had a hard day. Take the edge off.

0 1 2 3 4 You’re so angry, take something, mellow out.

0 1 2 3 4 Look at all the trouble you’re causing your family by going back on your resolution to give up alcohol (drugs).

0 1 2 3 4 Have another cookie (drink, hit). What harm can it do?

0 1 2 3 4 It’s okay for you to get high. You know how to maintain.

0 1 2 3 4 You’ve had a hard week. You need to relax. Have a drink (hit).

0 1 2 3 4 You used again. You’re hopeless!

0 1 2 3 4 You’ve already blown your diet, so you’d just as well have whatever you want.

0 1 2 3 4 You’re probably one of those people who has a metabolism problem so why should you try to control your weight?

0 1 2 3 4 Just look at yourself in the mirror! You’re so fat. You should get rid of that big meal you just ate.

0 1 2 3 4 You can easily control your weight by throwing up.

0 1 2 3 4 They can tell that you ate, that you are a disgusting pig.

0 1 2 3 4 What are you going to do with all this free time? You need something to fill the time, make you relax.

0 1 2 3 4 You can eat anything you want and get rid of it later.

0 1 2 3 4 You ate too much, you’ve got to purge.

0 1 2 3 4 You’re a fat pig!

0 1 2 3 4 You don’t deserve to eat anything.

0 1 2 3 4 If you want to feel good, then don’t eat.

0 1 2 3 4 People want you to be fat.

0 1 2 3 4 Food is your worst enemy.

0 1 2 3 4 You’ll gain weight if you take even one bite.

This questionnaire was adapted from “The Firestone Voice Scale for Addictions” in Firestone, R. W., Firestone, L., & Catlett, J. (2002). Conquer Your Critical Inner Voice. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.

This Assessment Tool is published in Counselor,The Magazine for Addiction Professionals, October 2004, v.5, n.5, p. 69.

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