Citation

Rosenberg N, Patterson DG, Promisel DM, Towle LH. Transp. Res. Rec. 1976; 609: 11-17.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1976, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In 1971, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) initiated a program to support centers designed to extend and improve the treatment and rehabilitation services available for problem drinking drivers. These centers were located at selected Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP) sites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This paper presents a preliminary evaluation of the clients provided services at these sites. Demographic data, various drinking-related measures, a self-esteem index, and financial and employment status variables were obtained for the large sample of clients who received services from May 1973 through March 1974. Clients were classified into five groups and were compared. The results indicate that for all programs for which follow-up data were obtained (a) the percentage of clients who abstained from alcohol increased, (b) the amount of absolute alcohol consumed per day decreased, (c) behavioral impairment caused by drinking decreased, and (d) self-esteem improved. Although a trend for an increase in financial status was observed, further follow-up study is needed for confirmation. Treatment outcome was more successful with clients showing less involvement with alcohol. The data from this study support the NIAAA premise that is the basis for its support of ASAP programs: ASAP programs include a large number of individuals for whom early intervention into their alcohol problems would be worthwhile.