NCJ Number
138074
Date Published
1990
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This chapter describes and then presents evaluation results for the three types of recidivist drunk-driver programs used in the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG).
Abstract
The FRG uses three program models with recidivist drunk drivers. The IFT (Institute fur Therapierforschung) model is based on a moderate behavioristic approach, and the IRAK (Individual psychologische Rehabilitation Alkoholauffalliger Kraftfahrer) model is based on individual psychological theory; The LEER (named after the town in which it was first carried out) model uses a group dynamic framework. These programs not only differ in their underlying theories but also in the number of sessions and their total duration. Evaluations for each of these models have used control and experimental groups to examine changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behavior related to drunk driving. The programs did show a significant positive change for those who participated; for example, whereas 18.3 percent of the controls were reconvicted within 36 months, only 14 percent of the experimental group relapsed. Factors that influenced treatment outcome were the intensity of police law enforcement, regional drinking habits, the observance of selection criteria by examiner, and course leaders' behavior during treatment. Overall, this review of program effects concludes that the probability of repeating drunk driving is reduced by the use of both punishment and treatment. There must be an adequate period of license withdrawal so as to demonstrate to the driver the problems caused by the behavior and also to create a sufficiently stable motivation for change. 3 tables and 24 references