The intervention approach to drunk driver rehabilitation.

Alternative Therapies

May 2021

Full Citation

SIEGEL, H. (1985). The intervention approach to drunk driver rehabilitation. II: Evaluation. International Journal of the Addictions, 20(5), 675–689.

Abstract

Examined the effectiveness of a new one-weekend drunk driver intervention program (present author; see record 1986-25598-001) that uses alcohol education, intense group counseling, and a health/disease approach to alcohol and drug problems. The recidivism rate (survival probability) was compared in 3 groups of drivers convicted for driving while intoxicated (DWI)-533 weekend intervention program (WIP) participants, 867 nonresidential DWI educational program participants, and 896 untreated controls. Data suggest that survival probability is significantly greater for drivers who have had some kind of treatment, either WIP or education, than for those without treatment. The WIP survival probabilities for multiple offenders significantly exceeded those demonstrated by the educational group. It is suggested that the finding of no difference in overall survival probability between the WIP and the educational group in the face of more rigorous law enforcement and tougher judicial treatment indicates that the WIP had a potent and positive impact. Results also suggest that prolonged contact between WIP staff and clients enables staff to note the presence of drinking problems among clients who will eventually recidivate (6 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)