What does sensitivity refer to in screening for substance use disorders?

Sensitivity in the context of screening for substance use disorders refers to the ability of a screening test to correctly identify individuals who actually have the disorder. Specifically, sensitivity is concerned with the ratio of true positives, which are the individuals who correctly test positive for the disorder, to the total number of actual cases, including both true positives and false negatives (those who have the disorder but are incorrectly identified as not having it).

Therefore, the correct choice emphasizes the importance of accurately detecting those who need help versus those who do not, ensuring that individuals with substance use disorders are diagnosed and offered appropriate treatment. High sensitivity in a screening instrument ensures that most individuals with the disorder are identified, allowing for timely and effective interventions.