ASSESSMENT OF CLASSIFICATION INSTRUMENTS DESIGNED TO DETECT ALCOHOL ABUSE

The report summarizes an effort to identify and evaluate instruments currently in use to assess substance abuse problems in driving while impaired (DWI) offenders. The results of a national survey of DWI assessment practices in the United States are reported, including a more detailed examination of procedures in five states. Operational constraints and needs of jurisdictions are described, with special consideration given to factors within each setting which influence the selection of particular instruments and their use in that setting. Several instruments are reviewed and evaluated. The newer instruments, with automated scoring, synthesize a large amount of information, have a truthfulness scale, and provide the assessor, judge, and treatment provider with a brief overview of the nature of the individual's problem. However, these instruments still have not been adequately validated by independent investigators, even though they appear to have potential. Therefore, widespread adoption cannot now be recommended.

  • Record URL:
  • Corporate Authors:

    University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

    Highway Safety Research Center
    Chapel Hill, NC  United States  27599
  • Authors:
    • POPKIN, C L
    • Kannenberg, C H
    • Lacey, J H
    • Waller, P F
  • Publication Date: 1988-12

Media Info

  • Pagination: 157 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00494324
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
  • Report/Paper Numbers: HS-807 475
  • Files: HSL, NTL, TRIS
  • Created Date: May 31 1990 12:00AM