Behavior assessment and cross-validation by surrogate measures in drug prevention research

When used with more orthodox survey or interview techniques, surrogate measures can enhance a study's credibility. Presented is a case report which illustrates the viability of using a surrogate measure to cross-validate self-reports of alcohol consumption by members of a fraternity at a large Midwestern university. As federal authorities continue to scrutinize myriad ways to reduce the nation's health care burden drug abuse research will have an enhanced opportunity to justify its role in that movement. The historical reliance on self-report methods which lack supportive, corroborating evidence of behavior change may jeopardize preventive drug education's opportunity to play a more integral part in influencing health promotion policies.