Validity of the MCMI Drug Abuse Scale varies as a function of drug choice, race, and axis II subtypes.

The validity of the Drug Abuse Scale (T) from the Million Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI) was studied by administering the MCMI to 110 male veterans seeking treatment for opioid or cocaine dependence. Only 26 and 23% of the sample obtained base rate (BR) scores above the clinical relevant cutoffs of 84 and 74, respectively. Covariables associated with elevated scores on the T Scale were Black race, presence of narcissistic/antisocial personality features, and more severe psychopathology in general. The authors urge caution in using the Drug Abuse Scale for the purpose of identifying drug abusers.