Court Procedures for Identifying Problem Drinkers. Volume 1, Manual

Kerlan, M. W.; Mortimer, R. G. (Rudolf G.); Mudge, B.; Filkins, Lyle D. · 1971 · ROSA P / University of Michigan. Highway Safety Research Institute

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Summary

This document, titled *Court Procedures for Identifying Problem Drinkers: Volume I - Manual*, presents a standardized diagnostic procedure developed by the University of Michigan’s Highway Safety Research Institute for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The research addresses the high prevalence of alcohol-related offenses in the judicial system, noting that drunkenness accounted for 31% of all arrests in 1965 and that driving under the influence cases consume significant court resources. The primary motivation is to provide court workers with a reliable, objective method to identify problem drinkers among offenders, thereby enabling judges to make informed sentencing decisions that address the underlying causes of criminal behavior rather than merely punishing the offense. The methodology consists of a three-part evaluation protocol designed to be administered by personnel without specialized diagnostic expertise. First, offenders complete a self-administered, multiple-choice questionnaire (Form A) that takes 5–10 minutes. Second, they undergo a face-to-face interview (Form B) lasting 15–45 minutes, which covers physical health, drinking history, family and work adjustment, and previous arrest records. The interview is structured to build rapport while probing for specific indicators of alcohol dependence, such as morning tremors, blackouts, and the use of alcohol to cope with stress. Third, investigators compile background data using a tally sheet for blood alcohol concentration (BAC), driving records, and criminal history. These inputs are scored using keys provided in Volume III and summarized on a Questionnaire and Interview Summary Sheet. Finally, a Treatment Evaluation Sheet matches identified problems with available community resources. The manual defines distinct categories of drinkers—abstainers, social drinkers, problem drinkers, and alcoholics—to guide diagnosis. It emphasizes that problem drinkers are those whose excessive consumption causes private or public harm and impairs functioning, though they may not yet exhibit the physical dependence characteristic of alcoholics. The procedure relies on identifying early signs of misuse, such as increased aggression after drinking, the need to drink in emotional situations, and physical symptoms like nausea or hand tremors upon waking. The text notes that while social drinkers may experience occasional hangovers, problem drinkers frequently use alcohol to manage withdrawal symptoms or pain, often leading to a cycle of dependence. The significance of this work lies in its application to pre-sentence investigations, aiming to reduce the financial and social burden of repeat offenses by linking offenders to appropriate treatment. By standardizing the identification process, the manual seeks to ensure that recommendations to judges are based on comprehensive evidence of drinking behavior rather than subjective judgment. The procedure allows for the differentiation between habitual social drinkers and those with pathological drinking patterns, facilitating targeted interventions such as medical detoxification, counseling, or educational programs. This approach supports a shift from punitive measures to rehabilitative strategies for alcohol-related crimes.

Key finding

The manual establishes a standardized diagnostic procedure combining a questionnaire, interview, and record review to enable court personnel to identify problem drinkers and recommend appropriate treatment.

Methodology

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