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Article
A Cognitive Therapy Treatment Program for Repeat DUI Offenders
Journal of Criminal Justice
  • Kathleen A. Moore, University of South Florida
  • Melissa Harrison, University of South Florida
  • M. Scott Young, University of South Florida
  • Ezra Ochshorn, University of South Florida
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2008
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2008.09.004
Abstract

Driving under the influence is a devastating problem in the United States, killing almost 17,000 people in 2005. The present article describes a cognitive treatment program aimed at repeat drinking and driving offenders. Sixty-three participants were court mandated to the four-month outpatient treatment program. Before entering and after completing treatment, participants were administered self-report instruments measuring alcohol problems, readiness to change, self-esteem/efficacy, and criminal thinking patterns. Additionally, arrest histories were examined. Findings suggested that participants were characterized not only by repeated arrests, but elevated blood alcohol content and high levels of self-reported alcohol dependency and problem-drinking behaviors. The majority of clients expressed a readiness to change their drinking and driving behaviors with 87 percent graduating from the program. A DUI recidivism rate of 13 percent was found for graduates of the program at a twenty-one month follow-up. The results demonstrate that the treatment program is a valuable tool in the battle to reduce criminal recidivism.

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Journal of Criminal Justice, v. 36, issue 6, p. 539-545

Citation Information
Kathleen A. Moore, Melissa Harrison, M. Scott Young and Ezra Ochshorn. "A Cognitive Therapy Treatment Program for Repeat DUI Offenders" Journal of Criminal Justice Vol. 36 Iss. 6 (2008) p. 539 - 545
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/kathleen_moore/13/