NCJ Number
105608
Date Published
1987
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study presents data on the age, sex, race, marital status, and alcohol problems for drunk driving (DWI) offenders admitted to the Weekend Intervention Program in Ohio's Miami Valley area from spring 1983 to spring 1984.
Abstract
The WIP program identifies the problem drinker within the larger population of DWI offenders to prepare them for and refer them to treatment. The DWI population sent to WIP is predominantly young, male, white, and unmarried. A total of 3.6 percent of the 1,346 DWI offenders sent to WIP over the study period were 61 years old and older. For the older cohorts, 10 percent reported having servere alcohol-related problems, compared with 8 percent of the younger cohorts. Health and psychological impairment related to alcohol consumption was significantly greater for the older cohorts than for the younger cohorts. These data should sensitize criminal justice professionals to the likelihood that older DWI offenders have an extensive alcohol problem. Prevention activities should inform older drivers of the risks involved with any alcohol use and driving. Professionals at each level and specialty of the health care delivery system must broaden their perspective in the assessment and management of older clients. In their initial evaluations, alcoholism professionals must assess clients' health status and needs and then ensure that these findings become part of the case management plan. 9 tables and 4 references.