| There has been a long history of people driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. In the 1980's figures showed a decline in DUI arrests and in alcohol-elated fatalities (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration {lcub}NHTSA{rcub}, 1997). Despite the reduction of alcohol-related fatalities and despite the imposed legal sanctions on DUI offenders, driving under the influence continues to be a major concern and public health problem. Complicating the problem is that repeat DUI offenders account for approximately one-third of drivers arrested or convicted for DUI each year (NHTSA, 1997). There is a general consensus that first offenders and repeat offenders are different, yet little research has specifically compared the two groups. A question arises as to the role that other factors, such as psychiatric variables, account for subsequent DUI arrests. Some studies suggest an association between depression and substance abuse or dependence and DUI offenders. This study explored differences of depressive symptomatology and substance use between first-time and repeat DUI offenders, and added age as a variable to predict a repeat offense. A convenience sample of 50 first-time DUI offenders and 50 repeat DUI offenders attending an outpatient DUI counseling program completed an interview, SCID-CV, and SASSI-3. These participants received their DUI either in Montgomery or Chester County, Pennsylvania. Chi-square analyses indicated that participants with repeat offenses are more likely than first offenders to have a diagnosis of substance abuse, however, the majority of both did not meet these criteria. There was no significant difference between first-time and repeat offenders for substance dependence. The findings indicated that neither first-time nor repeat offenders met the criteria for either major depression or dysthymia. Logistic regression results indicated that age, substance abuse, and substance dependence were significant in predicting whether first-time offenders would become repeat offenders. Benefits of the research include an increased understanding of the characteristics of the two populations, and suggest significance for clinical practice. Treatment programs should be customized to DUI offenders' specific offense histories and the severity of their drinking problems. |
