Does screening classification predict long-term outcomes of DWI offenders ?

The author interviewed 583 driving while intoxicated (DWI) first offenders with substance use disorders (SUDs) to determine the usefulness of a screening classification system in predicting treatment utilization, current SUD, and driving over the alcohol limit (DOL) at 15-year follow-ups.Univariate and multivariate statistics were used to determine predictors of long-term outcomes. Screening classification defined groups with different treatment histories and 15-year outcomes. Current SUDs were reported by 21%, and DOL by 10%, of subjects. Group differences suggest that screening data could be used more effectively to triage and treat DWI offenders. (Author/publisher)