Timeline Followback

Return

Dimension: Characteristics of use

Area

Use pattern

Specificity

General

Year

1992

Author

Sobell and Sobell.

Identification and Classification

Instrument: Timeline Followback
Acronym: LIBARE
Area: Use pattern
Dimension: Characteristics of use
Specificity: General
Objective: Measures the behavior of use of addictive substances before, during and after treatment. Evaluates specific changes in the use pattern.
Factors it measures: Use pattern
Year: 1992
Author: Sobell and Sobell.
Availability: Available at: http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/html.cfm/index4138EN.html
Link: http://www.conadic.salud.gob.mx/pdfs/publicaciones/beb_III.pdf

Abstract: The Timeline Followback is supported by a calendar record where the user registers their use pattern, both frequency and quantity for a period that may be weeks or months
Psychometric characteristics: The Timeline Followback has a test-retest reliability of .91. The correlation between the individual's use report and the collateral's is .82. Concurrent validity with the Alcohol Dependence Scale is .53.
No. of items: 0
Way of administration: The user is asked to record the quantity of use in standard units (drinks, cigarettes, etc) consumed daily until one year before the current date.
Way of qualification: Count units of use and express them in total use, frequency, minimum and maximum quantity, average per occasion, days of abstinence.
Application context: Clinical
Population: Substance users, adolescents and adults.
References: Sobell, M.B., Sobell, L.C., Klajner, F., Pavan, D. & Basian, E. (1986). The reliability of a method of Assessing timeline regular drinker college students? drinking recent history: Utility for Alcohol Research. Addictive Behaviors. 11, 149-161.