HABIT: A Substance-Use & Dependency Six-Dimensional Framework
Authors: Adam Hafez, Zat+ Research Team Version: 1.0.0 — DRAFT
Abstract
HABIT covers addiction and dependency instruments where the construct extends beyond behavior frequency into tolerance, withdrawal, and craving — the classic addiction model. Companions: AUDIT-C, AUDIT-10, DAST-10, OCDS, FTND, IAT, SOGS gambling.
1. Specification
1.1 Dimensions
| Code | Name | Direction | Operationalization |
|---|---|---|---|
| H | Heaviness (use volume) | deficit | Frequency × quantity |
| A | Attempt-to-stop (control) | deficit | Failed cessation efforts |
| B | Body (physical dependence) | deficit | Tolerance + withdrawal |
| I | Impact (consequences) | deficit | Social, occupational, health harm |
| T | Triggers (craving) | deficit | Cue-reactivity + urges |
5 letters. 6th = R (Recovery capital — supports + resources).
1.2 Composite Index
Wellbeing direction. All deficits inverted.
HABIT_Index = round(
(100 − H) × 0.18 +
(100 − A) × 0.18 +
(100 − B) × 0.16 +
(100 − I) × 0.18 +
(100 − T) × 0.14 +
R × 0.16
)
1.3 Norms
AUDIT-C cutoff: ≥ 4 men / ≥ 3 women (Bush et al. 1998). AUDIT full cutoff ≥ 8 for hazardous drinking, ≥ 15 for likely dependence (Babor et al. 2001).
2. Comparison
| Property | DSM-5 SUD | AUDIT alone | HABIT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tolerance/withdrawal | ✓ | partial | ✓ |
| Craving | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Recovery capital | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Cross-substance unified | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
3. References
- Babor, T. F., et al. (2001). The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). WHO.
- Bush, K., et al. (1998). The AUDIT alcohol consumption questions (AUDIT-C). Arch Intern Med, 158(16), 1789-1795.
- Skinner, H. A. (1982). The Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST). Addict Behav, 7(4), 363-371.
- Heatherton, T. F., et al. (1991). The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence. Br J Addict, 86(9), 1119-1127.
- White, W. L., & Cloud, W. (2008). Recovery capital: A primer for addictions professionals. Counselor, 9(5), 22-27.