The Need for Standardized, Scientific Criteria for Describing Drug-Using Behavior

Abstract

To date there exist no measurement criteria in the field of drug abuse research that could be regarded as being scientific. As a result, the measures typically employed are of dubious reliability and validity, the findings of independent researchers cannot be compared meaningfully, and rational communication about drug abuse issues is exceedingly difficult. Yet little has been done to bring scientific objectivity to this field of research, nor does there appear to be a clamor of insistance to do so. There is clearly a need for the development of scientific (objective, quantifiable) criteria for describing drug-using behavior. The criteria developed should have general utilities for policy making, diagnosis, and research applications.