TREATMENT ASPECTS OF THE DRIVER IMPROVEMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMME (FROM DIVERSION PROGRAMME FOR DRINKING DRIVERS - PROCEEDINGS OF A SEMINAR, 1977 - SEE NCJ-49618)

• NCJ Number: 49622
• Author(s): A P DIEHM
• Date Published: 1977
• Length: 3 pages
• Corporate Author: Sydney University
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

THE COMBINING OF 60 COMMUNITY TREATMENT CENTERS WITH 200 FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL STAFF INTO A COURT RELATED DRIVER IMPROVEMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAM IS DESCRIBED. THE COURT COORDINATES THE EFFORTS.

Abstract

WHEN NEW SOUTH WALES SET UP A DIVERSIONARY PROGRAM FOR DRIVERS ARRESTED WHILE DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL, COMMUNITY TREATMENT CENTERS WERE USED. THE COURT OVERSEES THE ASSESSMENT OF THE DRIVER TO DETERMINE WHICH TREATMENT PROGRAM MIGHT BE MOST BENEFICIAL, THEN COORDINATES ATTENDANCE REPORTS AND OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS. ONE OF THE PROGRAMS UTILIZES THE HEALTH COMMISSION PROJECT, WHICH IS AIMED AT THE YOUNGER OFFENDER WHO HAS NOT YET REACHED AN ADVANCED STAGE OF ALCOHOLISM. ITS FOCUS IS EDUCATION, REASSESSMENT OF PERSONAL DRINKING HABITS, AND BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN USE AND ABUSE IS EMPHASIZED. THE DIVERSIONARY PROGRAM IS CALLED AN EXCELLENT EARLY INTERVENTION TECHNIQUE. IN THE 18-MONTH DURATION OF THE PROGRAM ONLY 8 PERSONS HAVE HAD ACUTE ALCOHOLISM PROBLEMS, REQUIRING HOSPITALIZATION. THE ODDS AGAINST A DRIVER BEING APPREHENDED AFTER DRINKING ARE QUITE SMALL UNLESS THERE IS AN ACCIDENT. IF A DRIVER IS ARRESTED WITH A HIGH ALCOHOL CONTENT IN THE BLOOD, IT IS LIKELY THAT HE HAS HAD HIGH ALCOHOL CONTENT MANY TIMES BEFORE. ONE APPREHENDED MORE THAN ONCE IN A YEAR IS LIKELY TO HAVE HIGH BLOOD ALCOHOL CONTENT MOST OF THE TIME. EVALUATION OF THE PROGRAM IS EARGERLY AWAITED. IF SIGNIFICANT LONG-LASTING BENEFIT TO PARTICIPANTS IS FOUND, THE PROGRAM WILL BE EXPANDED. (GLR)