What does reliability refer to in the context of substance use screening?

In the context of substance use screening, reliability pertains to the stability and consistency of a screen's results. This means that a reliable screening tool should yield consistent outcomes when used under the same conditions, across different populations, or when administered to the same individuals at different times. For instance, if a screening instrument is reliable, a person screening positive for substance use at one time should likely screen positive again when reassessed, provided their substance use behavior has not changed.

Reliability is crucial because it ensures that the results of the screening can be trusted. If the tool cannot produce consistent results, it may lead to incorrect assessments, potentially resulting in inappropriate treatment recommendations. Thus, consistency in the results enhances the overall effectiveness of substance use screening as a foundational step in treatment and recovery processes.