The Earlier detection of problem drinkers among drinking drivers

Abstract

In 1974 a voluntary social work agency in New Zealand is to undertake a pilot programme of which the preventive role of social work is one aspect. This agency has for some years been involved in the treatment and rehabilitation of persons with drinking problems. The pilot programme itself is to be called the Driver Re-education Course. In this thesis it is intended to examine; as far as possible the parameters of alcohol-related problems in New Zealand; to consider the use of the concept of problem drinking as a viable alternative to that of alcoholism, particularly for the purpose of earlier identification and possible intervention in the lives of persons with drinking problems; to review the relevant literature and research evidence in support of the hypothesis to be proposed that such a pilot programme will provide the means for such identification and intervention; to describe the pilot programme itself and particularly those aspects most relevant to earlier identification and treatment; and to propose a means by which the purposes of earlier identification of and possible intervention in drinking problems may be achieved. Chapter One presents a consideration of definition that is directed towards the question of heuristic value of definitions for the provision of a means of early identification of and intervention in the lives of people with drinking problems. To this end, statements and evidence from various recent sources, which point to some of the disadvantages and implications of the use of the disease definition of alcoholism are outlined, and an alternative approach to definition is proposed. Chapter Two outlines some of the characteristic areas of alcohol abuse in New Zealand, presents a discussion of legitimate methods of intervention in the lives of people with drinking problems, and suggests that the area of drinking and driving provides a readily available, accessible and realistic avenue for earlier identification of people with possible drinking problems in New Zealand. The hypothesis proposed is that a large number of the New Zealand population of problem drinkers will also figure in the New Zealand driving population. Chapter Three consists of a broad outline of the available literature and research which has focussed on some particular aspects of drinking and driving. The outline itself is divided into two major areas. The first area is concerned with a consideration of the evidence that alcohol consumption decreases driving efficiency. The second area involves a consideration of the evidence which looks more closely at the drinking characteristics of those who drink and drive and it is this collection of data, obtained in collaboration with the data contained in the first area, which is proposed to provide the substantive basis for the hypothesis suggested. Chapter Four contains a description of the innovative measures which a social work agency has chosen to implement in an attempt to experiment with the expansion of its services. A description of the agency itself, its involvement in the area of drinking problems and an outline of the proposed plan for the Driver Re-education Course is presented. Chapter Five presents the design for a questionnaire to be used for the purpose of identifying problem drinkers attending the Driver Re-education Course. Discussions of reasons for use, administration, construction and suggestions for evaluation of, the questionnaire are included in this section.