Depressive symptoms, drinking consequences, and motivation to change in first time DWI offenders

Abstract

Background: Psychological disorders are common among driving-while-intoxicated (DWI) offenders; thus, a DWI arrest may serve as an important opportunity for further screening and subsequent treatment.

Objectives: The current study examined the extent to which mild to moderate pretreatment depressive symptoms, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), could predict intervention outcomes in 284 first-time DWI offenders.

Methods: Participants were given drinking-related and psychosocial assessments at the beginning and end of a 10-week intervention and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups.

Results: After the intervention and at both follow-ups, all participants reported declines in depressive symptoms, alcohol consumption, and negative drinking consequences and higher self-efficacy to avoid high-risk drinking. It was notable, however, that offenders with depressive symptoms reported more drinking-related consequences and lower self-efficacy at all time points, but greater motivation to change their drinking behavior.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that offenders with depressive symptoms have more severe symptomatology than nondepressed offenders but may be more amenable to changing their drinking.

Scientific significance: The BDI may be a useful screening tool for determining which offenders are in need of an intervention following a DWI arrest.