Predictive validity of the Drug Lifestyle Screening Interview: a two-year follow-up

One hundred and eighteen inmates enrolled in a comprehensive residential drug treatment program were administered the Drug Lifestyle Screening Interview (DLSI) and followed for 2 years. A marginally significant predictive effect was observed in which subjects achieving elevated DLSI scores (> or = 12) displayed more subsequent alcohol and drug misuse than lower scoring subjects, 21.7 versus 9.7%. The Lifestyle Criminality Screening Form (LCSF) enjoyed a somewhat stronger predictive relationship with future outcome in that 27.3% of the high scoring subjects (LCSF score > or = 10) subsequently misused alcohol or other drugs as opposed to only 4.4% of the low scoring subjects. Regression analysis also revealed the superiority of the LCSF in predicting future outcome. These findings suggest that criminal background should be taken into account when evaluating the relapse potential of drug-involved offenders once they leave treatment.