Which screening tool helps clients recall the number of drinks consumed on a calendar?

The tool that helps clients recall the number of drinks consumed on a calendar is known as the Timeline Followback (TLFB). This approach is invaluable in addiction assessments and substance use treatment because it prompts clients to detail their alcohol consumption over a specified time frame, often using a calendar as a visual aid. By tracking their drinking patterns over days, weeks, or months, clients can provide more accurate and reflective data about their behaviors.

The structure of TLFB allows for a personalized and interactive way to engage with clients about their drinking habits, promoting a better understanding of their usage patterns, triggers, and potential areas for change. This method has been shown to enhance recall accuracy and provides useful information that can inform treatment plans.

Other screening tools mentioned serve different purposes within substance use assessments. For example, MAST-G focuses on identifying older adults' drinking problems, SASSI-3 screens for substance use disorders with an emphasis on denial, and the Rapid Alcohol Problems Screen provides quick insights into alcohol-related issues but lacks the detailed chronological recall that TLFB offers.