Abstract
The accuracy of drug counselors' knowledge of their clients' drug use was assessed to determine whether counselor reports might constitute adequate research and evaluation data. Ex-addict paraprofessionals, non-ex-addict paraprofessionals, and degreed professional counselors (N = 82) reported on the drug use by 302 methadone maintenance and drug-free outpatient clients, as did the clients themselves. Counselor nonresponse rates to individual drug category items were acceptably low (≤ 5% for all but marijuana/hashish and over-the-counter drugs. Counselors' estimates of drug use rates at a group level were relatively accurate. However, reliability coefficients reflecting accuracy on a case-by-case basis were lower than desirable for use in prediction schemes for individual clients. Ex-addicts were overall somewhat more accurate than the other counselor groups.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 417-433 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Substance Use and Misuse |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 1985 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine (miscellaneous)
- Health(social science)
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Psychiatry and Mental health