Self-report of drinking compared to objective markers of alcohol consumption.
BACKGROUND
The validity of self-report data is an area of continuing concern in the substance abuse treatment field. It is uncertain how well self-report of alcohol relapse corresponds with more objective indices.


METHODS
We compared the self-report of alcohol relapse to collateral reports and biological indices of relapse. Twelve-month post-treatment follow-up data were collected from 94 male and female alcohol dependent veterans and 93 of their respective collateral contacts. Biological indices included breathalyzer data, and the blood enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, y-glutamyltransferase, and alanine aminotransferase.


RESULTS
A collapsed factor of the more objective indices of use was moderately associated with self-report. A logistic regression analysis revealed that only collateral reports of use predicted the self-report of alcohol relapse. The specificity of collateral report was 82.4% and the sensitivity was 71.9%.


CONCLUSIONS
Collateral informants serve an important function in supporting the validity of self-report of abstinence versus relapse.
Whitford
Jennifer L
JL
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia 30904, USA. velovino@msn.com
Widner
Sabina C
SC
Mellick
Davis
D
Elkins
Ralph L
RL