Validity evidence and clinical utility of the Oviedo Leisure Activities Scale (OLAS-70) for measuring substance-free and substance-related reinforcement.

Abstract

Substance use disorders (SUDs) can be explained in part by the availability and amount of alternative substance-free reinforcers, which are recognized as the main target in treatment of SUDs. Most questionnaires examining this area assess activities in teens or young adults from the general population and, have not been assessed in the context of treatment of SUDs, and do not address the wide range that is needed in order to plan recreational activities that are incompatible with substance use in clinical contexts, as well as to identify activities that could pose a risk for relapse. This study aimed to develop a new instrument (i.e., the Oviedo Leisure Activities Scale; OLAS-70) to measure substance-free and substance-related reinforcement. It also sought to provide validity evidence based on the relationship with the European Addiction Severity Index, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Reward Probability Index. The participants in this cross-sectional study were 542 adults (M_age = 38.71, SD = 10.66) undergoing inpatient or outpatient interventions for SUDs. Participants completed the European Addiction Severity Index, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Reward Probability Index, and the OLAS-70 within a month of starting treatment. The OLAS-70 demonstrated validity evidence in relation to addiction severity, depression, and probability of environmental reward. Participants with drug use problems according to the European Addiction Severity Index exhibited higher proportion of substance-related reinforcement ratio due to engaging in activities while under the influence of substances, including sports, hobbies, and artistic activities. The OLAS-70 is valid for measuring both substance-free and substance-related reinforcement and provides clinically useful information for treatment planning, identifying high-risk situations for substance use relapse, and scheduling reinforcing, positive activities during interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).