Urinalysis Screened vs Verbally Reported Drug Use: The Identification of Discrepant Groups

Abstract

Comparison of self-admitted drug use and urinalysis for opiates, sedatives, and stimulants in a population of 896 males arrested for felonies shows substantial inconsistencies for certain subgroups. A linear model analysis indicates differences in discrepancies by age, race, and prior drug-related arrest; the action of these factors depends upon the type of drug used. The implications of these data for treatment of arrested persons, especially for arrestees at risk of unanticipated withdrawal, are discussed.