Psychological Testing and the Detection of Drug Abusers

Empirical studies using psychological tests for the detection and early identification of drug abusers are summarized. Although the emphasis is on personality testing, intelligence and special aptitude tests are included. The author concludes that psychological testing has not been successful in differentiating drug abusers from other sampled groups. The ARCI and MMPI personality tests show potential, but their validity remains to be fully demonstrated. Factors for their lack of success include subjects with different "response sets" and in specific institutionalized settings. Recommendations for additional research in noninstitutional environments are discussed.