MISSISSIPPI DUI PROBATION FOLLOW-UP PROJECT

Abstract

This project encompassed the period from July 1, 1975 to July 31, 1981, incorporating 5,096 referrals who were classified as nonproblem or problem drinkers and randomly assigned to: (1) probation, (2) rehabilitation, (3) probation plus rehabilitation, or (4) control (no treatment). Probation was of the contact variety but not intensive (12 monthly sessions totalling no more than six hours of contact). Rehabilitation was alcohol safety school (for nonproblem drinkers) or group therapy (for problem drinkers). The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of probation in comparison to traditional countermeasures. The primary evaluation criterion was rearrests through 24 months of tracking. Secondary evaluation criteria included rearrests through 36 months (available on early entries only), accidents, and changes in lifestyle as measured by the Life Activities Inventory. Neither probation nor the traditional treatments showed conclusive evidence of effectiveness with either nonproblem or problem drinkers. However, strong validity evidence was provided for the drinker classification scheme: significantly more rearrests, accidents, injuries, and serious injuries among problem drinkers. Thorough cost/benefit analyses were completed, and alternative cost/benefit models were developed and compared. An unexpected treatment effect of the Life Activities Inventory was strongly suggested, though only among nonproblem drinkers.