Methodological issues and problems in the assessment of substance use

Three general types of methodologic issues that are particularly salient in research involving assessment of substance use or substance-abusing populations are highlighted: (a) the reliability and validity of self-report, collateral, and biological methods of assessing substance use, (b) the variability and episodic course of substance use disorders, and (c) the heterogeneity of individuals with substance use disorders. Within each of these general areas, several common methodologic problems in assessment research, as well as strategies for avoiding or minimizing these problems, are described.