Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index [RAPI-23]

Description

The Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI-23) is a brief self-report instrument developed by White and Labouvie in 1989. It consists of 23 items assessing the frequency of negative consequences associated with alcohol consumption.

Designed primarily for adolescents and young adults, it can be administered in both clinical and non-clinical settings. The instrument examines consequences such as impaired control over drinking, interpersonal conflict, neglect of academic or occupational responsibilities, physical discomfort, and adverse emotional or social experiences. Unlike measures focusing exclusively on drinking frequency or quantity, the RAPI-23 evaluates its negative consequences.

Aim

The primary aim of the RAPI-23 is to facilitate the early identification of problematic drinking patterns and assess the severity of alcohol-related consequences. It can be used to identify individuals who may require further assessment, monitor changes during an intervention, and evaluate prevention programs.

The RAPI-23 is a screening and problem-severity measure rather than a standalone diagnostic instrument. A high score does not independently establish the presence of alcohol use disorder but may indicate the need for a more comprehensive clinical assessment.

Data Analysis and Use

The RAPI-23 is generally treated as a unidimensional measure that produces one total score. Data analysis may include descriptive statistics, internal consistency assessment using Cronbach’s alpha or McDonald’s omega, and correlations with alcohol consumption, heavy episodic drinking, and relevant psychosocial variables.

Exploratory or confirmatory factor analysis may be conducted to evaluate its underlying structure. Regression models and repeated-measures analyses may also be employed in predictive or longitudinal studies.

Scoring

Each item is scored according to the frequency with which the respective alcohol-related consequence occurred:

0 = Never
1 = 1–2 times
2 = 3–5 times
3 = 6–10 times
4 = More than 10 times

No items are reverse-scored. The total score is calculated by summing all 23 responses and ranges from 0 to 92. Higher scores indicate more frequent and severe alcohol-related problems.

The reference period should be clearly specified and applied consistently to all participants. Depending on the research design, it may cover the previous few months or the previous year. No universally accepted diagnostic cut-off score applies to every age group and cultural population.

References

Earleywine, M., LaBrie, J. W., & Pedersen, E. R. (2008). A brief Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index with less potential for bias. Addictive Behaviors, 33(9), 1249–1253. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2008.05.006

White, H. R., & Labouvie, E. W. (1989). Towards the assessment of adolescent problem drinking. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 50(1), 30–37. https://doi.org/10.15288/jsa.1989.50.30