Effectiveness of Screening Instruments in Detecting Substance use Disorders among Prisoners

Roger H. Peters, Paul E. Greenbaum, Marc L Steinberg, Chris R Carter, Madeline M. Ortiz, Bruce C. Fry, Steven K Valle

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of several screening instruments in detecting substance use disorders among prison inmates. A sample of 400 male inmates were administered eight different substance abuse screening instruments and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-IV), Version 2.0, Substance Abuse Disorders module. The latter was used as a diagnostic criterion measure to determine the presence of substance use disorders. Based on positive predictive value, sensitivity, and overall accuracy, the Texas Christian University Drug Screen, the Simple Screening Instrument, and a combined instrument—Alcohol Dependence Scale/Addiction Severity Index-Drug Use section were found to be the most effective in identifying substance abuse and dependence disorders.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment
Volume18
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2000

Keywords

  • Drug abuse
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Screening
  • Inmates
  • Drug abuse treatment

Disciplines

  • Health Law and Policy
  • Law
  • Medicine and Health Sciences
  • Mental and Social Health
  • Psychiatric and Mental Health

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