ABSTRACT
A growing body of literature shows that treatment outcome may be dependent on the characteristics of the individual and the type of treatment received. Treatment for drinking drivers can refer to a variety of therapeutic interventions, approaches, and programs. One of the difficulties confronting the treatment field is the lack of a generally accepted definition of treatment. Treatment programs can run the gamut of experiences: intensive outpatient counseling programs, education groups, outpatient counseling, and inpatient programs. A driving-while-impaired (DWI) offender could undergo any one of a wide variety of treatment modalities because programs vary significantly based on the defined treatment for a DWI client. DWI offenders referred to alcoholism treatment facilities possess characteristics that differentiate them from alcoholics in treatment. The offenders sometimes fall midway between social drinkers and problem drinkers with regards to their drinking behavior. Research concludes that the DWI problem must be addressed utilizing both deterrence and treatment programs.
