Validation of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) in Treatment-Seeking Substance Abusers Using Cue Reactivity Methodology

The current project sought to examine a typology for classifying substance abusers based on personality dimensions (introversion-hopelessness, anxiety sensitivity, impulsivity, and sensation seeking) that differentially predicts substance use preferences and patterns by matching primary personality-based motives for use to the specific effects of various psychoactive substances. Specifically, we sought to validate the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS), a brief self-report measure designed to assess the relevant personality dimensions, in a treatment-seeking clinical sample using cue reactivity methodology to assess current inclinations to consume or to avoid consuming a wide range of psychoactive substances. Using confirmatory factor analysis and correlational analyses, the SURPS demonstrated good psychometric properties and construct validity. Further, impulsivity and sensation-seeking were associated with use of multiple substances but could be differentiated by motives for use and susceptibility to the reinforcing effects of stimulants (i.e., impulsivity) and alcohol (i.e. sensation-seeking). In contrast, IH and AS demonstrated a pattern of use more focused on reducing negative affect, but were not differentiated based on specific patterns of use. Taken together, results suggests that among treatment seeking substance abusers, the SURPS is a valid instrument for measuring four distinct personality dimensions that may be sensitive to motivational susceptibilities to specific patterns of alcohol and drug use.