Self-Reported Drug Use Data: What Do They Reveal?

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine self-reported marijuana and cocaine use responses from two nationally representative surveys. We compared prevalence rates across birth cohorts for multiple years of the National Household Survey of Drug Abuse (NHSDA) and also analyzed longitudinal inconsistencies in self-reported drug use between two waves of the National Longitudinal Survey Youth Cohort (NLS-Y). We found the percentages of respondents admitting use within the past month, year, and lifetime were comparable to other findings and were consistent with the declining trend in drug use in the late 1980s. A comparison of lifetime prevalence rates revealed seemingly inconsistent reports between 1985 respondents and their birth cohorts in 1990. Using the longitudinal NLS-Y data, we found that roughly one-fifth of the people who had admitted using marijuana or cocaine in their lifetime on the 1984 survey subsequently denied ever having used in 1988. The majority of these cases were people who reported having used infrequently. The subsample of women had similar patterns. In addition, we discovered that women who had been pregnant between the two surveys were more likely to inconsistently deny having ever used, while those who were currently pregnant responded more honestly about their past use. Overall, we found that although most people are willing to provide accurate accounts of their use, the researcher should be aware that under-reporting or complete denial does occur. Most importantly, external factors appear to contribute to the rate of inaccurate reporting.

Neuropsychological consequences of regular marijuana use: a twin study

“…While the reliability and validity of self-reported drug use data have generally been demonstrated to be satisfactory (Brown et al 1992 ;Harrison et al 1993), it is not known if this validity extends to recall of marijuana use patterns 20 years after regular use has ended. Similarly, although subjects denied recent substance use, we cannot be absolutely certain that some participants had not used drugs or alcohol in the days immediately prior to testing, leaving a possible drug residue in their bodies.…”

Concurrent use of methamphetamine, MDMA, LSD, ketamine, GHB, and flunitrazepam among American youths

“…Self-reports of drug use are generally considered valid and reliable, yet underreporting of drug use can occur in a household setting (Gfroerer et al, 1997;Harrison et al, 1993;Needle et al, 1983;Winters et al, 1990Winters et al, -1991. It is noteworthy that NSDUH uses the most sophisticated survey methodology available to recruit a nationally representative sample of noninstitutionalized U.S. residents.…”

Misuse of methamphetamine and prescription stimulants among youths and young adults in the community

“…First, our findings are based on self-reported drug use. Even though reports of illicit drug use are generally viewed as reliable, household interviews may yield lower estimates of illicit drug use than surveys in schools and other out-of-home settings (Gfroerer et al, 1997;Harrison et al, 1993). Second, NSDUH assessments of mental heath treatment and criminality are also based on self-report, and these reports lack some of the information needed to make important distinctions.…”