Predictive validity of the RIASI: alcohol and drug use and problems six months following remedial program...

The ability of screening instruments for convicted drinking drivers to predict subsequent alcohol and drug-related problems rarely has been studied. The predictive validity of the Research Institute on Addictions Self-Inventory (RIASI) was investigated in a sample of 6,003 convicted drinking drivers who were participating in Back on Track (BOT), Ontario's remedial measures program for convicted drinking drivers. All BOT participants complete an assessment (which includes the RIASI), followed by a brief education or treatment program, and concluded 6 months later by a follow-up interview. The follow-up interview collects information on self-reported alcohol and other drug use and problems, and contacts with other health care providers in the 90 days prior to the follow-up contact. The ability of scores on the RIASI to predict these measures was assessed. The results revealed that, for almost all comparisons, individuals who used alcohol and other drugs, reported more substance-related problems at follow-up, and reported more contacts with other health and addictions providers had significantly higher scores on the RIASI total score and the RIASI recidivism scale at the initial assessment. The data indicate that this instrument appears to be able to identify individuals who will experience alcohol and drug related problems in the future.