Concurrent and predictive validity of drug use and psychiatric diagnosis among first-time DWI offenders.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have found that driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenders report high rates of substance dependence and other psychiatric disorders.


METHODS
The current study evaluated the prevalence, clinical correlates at program admission, and prognostic significance over a 1-year follow-up of 2 diagnostic subgroup variables (drug abuse or dependence; mood or anxiety disorder) among 290 first-time DWI offenders receiving group counseling interventions.


RESULTS
A lifetime diagnosis of drug abuse or dependence (42% of sample) was associated with higher levels of alcohol consumption, lower coping confidence, greater readiness to change, increased alcohol, drug, and legal problems, and more alcohol-related negative consequences at the initiation of DWI intervention. Significant decreases in drinking were noted at intervention termination for the drug diagnoses subgroup, but were not sustained at 1-year follow-up. The presence of a lifetime diagnosis of anxiety or mood disorder (30% of sample) was associated with lower coping confidence, greater readiness to change, and with greater and more enduring negative consequences of drinking during the DWI intervention and 1-year follow-up period.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that a psychiatric diagnosis might guide the intervention and aftercare planning for DWI offenders to reduce recidivism and drinking.
Palmer
Rebekka S
RS
Department of Psychiatry, Division of Substance Abuse, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA. rebekka.palmer@yale.edu
Ball
Samuel A
SA
Rounsaville
Bruce J
BJ
O'Malley
Stephanie S
SS
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000523:psychology*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D001334:Automobile Driving; D003415:Crime; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*