Treatment versus deterrence

Abstract

Treatment is defined as variety of therapeutic interventions, approaches and and is directed towards DWI offenders who are apprehended, while deterrence refers to measures that seek to reduce drinking and driving by instilling in existing and potential DWI offenders a fear of arrest and punishment as a consequence of DWI behavior, and is directed towards both apprehended and potential DWI offenders. The article examines the history of treatment, various treatment options (including education as a separate category), similarities and differences between treatment and deterrence and the potential of both deterrence and treatment programs. A series of effectiveness studies establishes the criteria which the author uses to evaluate the effectiveness of deterrent actions, DWI treatment programs, license sanctions, jail sentences, and voluntary versus mandatory treatment. The author concludes that both approaches should be used together while supplemented by other efforts such as public information, drinking age laws and education programs for youth.