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Alcoholism diagnoses for convicted drinking drivers referred for alcoholism evaluation
Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|December 1, 1986
Summary
Many convicted drinking drivers have alcohol use disorders. Higher alcohol problem severity correlates with increased alcohol consumption and more frequent drinking and driving incidents.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Convicted drinking drivers represent a population at high risk for alcohol-related problems.
- Understanding the spectrum of alcohol use disorders in this group is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the types and severity of alcohol-related problems in convicted drinking drivers.
- To assess the utility of DSM-III diagnoses in subcategorizing this population.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 461 convicted drinking drivers referred for evaluation were assessed.
- Questionnaires and structured interviews were used to gather data on alcohol-related problems.
- DSM-III diagnoses for alcohol abuse and dependence were constructed.
Main Results:
- Approximately 75% of the sample met DSM-III criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence.
- Higher levels of alcohol consumption and increased frequency of drinking and driving were associated with greater alcohol problem severity.
- Individuals diagnosed with alcohol dependence consumed more alcohol and reported more drinking and driving incidents than those with alcohol abuse or no diagnosed problem.
Conclusions:
- The DSM-III effectively categorizes convicted drinking drivers, identifying distinct groups based on alcohol problem severity.
- Findings support the need for interventions targeting alcohol-related problems in drinking driver populations.
- Drinking and driving incidents are more prevalent among individuals with significant alcohol problems.