DUI offenders: Who is overlooked in mandating offenders to treatment?

Abstract

Aim: Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs is increasing, but little is known about the ways in which DUI offenders who are dependent on alcohol or drugs are identified and referred to substance abuse treatment. Methods: This is an analysis of 42,763 unduplicated admission records of individuals who reported past-year DUI arrests entered treatment programs funded by the Texas Department of State Health Services between 2005 and 2009. Statistical methods include t-tests and chi squares, with significance set at .05. Results: Primary referral sources included DUI probation (44%), non-DUI probation or court services (17%), self-referral (10%), and family and friends (3%). The referral source varied by substance problem: 54% of those with alcohol problems were referred by DUI probation as were 29% of marijuana, 25% of powder cocaine, and 23% of methamphetamine clients. Other court sources and non-DUI probation referred 45% of marijuana, 27% of powder cocaine, and 23% of methamphetamine clients. In comparison, 34% of heroin, 24% of other opiate, and 20% of crack cocaine clients were self-referred. The impaired drivers differed not only on the way they came to treatment, but also by socio-demographic characteristics and levels of severity based on their Addiction Severity Index scores. . Conclusions: While impaired drivers with a primary problem with alcohol were most likely to be referred by DUI probation officers, those with problems with drugs other than heroin, other opiates, and crack cocaine were referred through other court and probation programs, which could indicate they were handled for crimes such as drug possession or crimes to support their habits rather than for DUI and that their drug problems were not identified during their DUI adjudication. Heroin, other opiates, and crack cocaine clients were most likely to be selfreferrals. The characteristics of these non-DUI referrals may indicate the individuals with problems with drugs other than alcohol are not being screened for drug problems at their DUI arrest. This could occur if the screening and assessment instruments focus on alcohol problems. With the increasing prevalence of drugged driving, it is important for the justice system which handles DUI offenders to use instruments which assess both alcohol and drug problems.