Concurrent and Predictive Validity of Drug Use and Psychiatric Diagnosis Among First-Time DWI Offenders

Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research 31 (4), 619–624.

• Rebekka S. Palmer¹
• ¹Department of Psychiatry, Division of Substance Abuse, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut,
• Samuel A. Ball¹
• ¹Department of Psychiatry, Division of Substance Abuse, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut,
• Bruce J. Rounsaville¹
• ¹Department of Psychiatry, Division of Substance Abuse, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, and
• Stephanie S. O'Malley¹
• ¹Department of Psychiatry, Division of Substance Abuse, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut

• ¹Department of Psychiatry, Division of Substance Abuse, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut

This research was supported by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Grant RO1—AA09098 (SSO) and National Institute on Drug Abuse Grant T32—DA07238.

Reprint requests: Rebekka S. Palmer, PhD, Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Research Unit, 1 Long Wharf Dr., Suite 10, New Haven, CT 06511; Fax: 203-781-4705; E-mail: rebekka.palmer@yale.edu

Abstract

Background:

Previous studies have found that driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenders report high rates of substance dependence and other psychiatric disorders.

Method:

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.