[Long-term effect of courses for repeat alcoholic intoxication in automobile drivers. Studies after 60 months probation].

Authors report on the analysis of long-term effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for multiple drinking-driving offenders. Even after an observation-period of 60 months since license renewal after treatment, program participants show a lower reconviction-rate than drivers who had been judged qualified to drive after medical and psychological assessment. Hence, there is no evidence for a mere deceleration of recidivism but on the contrary for long-term effectiveness. The analysis comprised the influence of individual variables such as age, previous DWI offenses, BAC in the event of DWI, previous criminal offenses, medical symptoms of alcohol-dependence and on the other hand systematic effects such as intensity of law enforcement by the police and regional drinking-habits. Furthermore the effects of three different treatment programs on the long-term reconviction rate are analysed and presented. The study discusses a number of critical arguments with respect to methodology and recommends consequences for future assessment and treatment. On the background of the problems of an extended observation period in the field--changes of variables of influence on drinking and drinking-driving behavior are possible, which cannot be compensated by treatment--the results are judged highly satisfying. They do not only justify continuing treatment after assessment but lead to the recommendation to extend treatment.