Does Screening Classification Predict Long-term Outcomes of DWI Offenders

OBJECTIVES: To determine the usefulness of a screening classification system in predicting treatment use, current substance abuse disorders (SUD), and driving over the alcohol limit (DOL) at 15-year follow-up. METHODS: Interviewed 583 driving while imparied (DWI) first offenders with SUDs. Univariate and multivariate statistics were used to determine predictors of long-term outcomes. RESULTS: Screening classification defined groups with different treatment histories and 15-year outcomes. Current SUDs were reported by 21% and DOL by 10%, of subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Group differences suggest that screening data could be used more effectively to triage and treat DWI offenders.