Which of the following instruments is used to screen for substance abuse in individuals who frequently distort or misrepresent the truth?

The Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI) is specifically designed to identify individuals who may be struggling with substance abuse, especially those who are at risk for misrepresenting their substance use patterns or minimizing their problems. It includes specific items that can reveal denial and defensiveness, which are common characteristics in individuals who frequently distort the truth regarding their substance use.

The SASSI provides a more nuanced approach than some other screening instruments, allowing for better differentiation between those who genuinely have substance-related problems and those who might not accurately report their experiences. This capacity to detect subtle indications of substance use issues makes the SASSI particularly valuable in clinical settings where honesty in reporting might be compromised.

While the other instruments mentioned, such as the MAST (Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test), SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment), and ASI (Addiction Severity Index), are also important tools for assessing substance abuse, they do not emphasize the assessment of defensiveness and distortion in the same way that the SASSI does. Thus, for individuals who may frequently misrepresent the truth, the SASSI is the most appropriate choice among the options provided.