NCJ Number
104435
Date Published
1986
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Issues examined pertinent to strategies that may enhance the effectiveness of services provided to drunk driving offenders are (1) the role of court coercion and individual choice in entering treatment, (2) the assessment of offenders and the scope of treatment recommendations made to courts, and (3) the role of treatment in individual change.
Abstract
The use of alcohol education and treatment programs is increasing, but their outcomes have been disappointing, particularly for people with more severe drinking problems. The Massachusetts experience is instructive regarding changes that can be useful. Its routine assignment of first and second offenders to driver alcohol education programs has eliminated any perception of choice, although a 1984 study found that offenders who perceived that they had a choice to take part made more progress in treatment. Similarly, the wide variations in recommendations resulting from assessments made in different Massachusetts programs underscores the continuing uncertainty of the current diagnostic and referral processes. Establishing four or five diagnostic categories of impairment might reflect reality better than the two levels currently used. 17 references.