NCJ Number
203609
Journal
Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health Volume: 13 Issue: 1 Dated: 2003 Pages: 59-76
Date Published
2003
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This paper reports on an evaluation of the COVAID (Control of Violence for Angry Impulsive Drinkers) treatment program, which is a structured, cognitive-behavioral, community-based treatment program for offenders.
Abstract
In COVAID, aggression and violence are the primary target behaviors, addressed by focusing on the mediators of anger, impulsivity, and alcohol abuse. The content of the program is based on a developmental risk factor model of alcohol-related violence. Clients are taught a cognitive-behavioral model as a means of understanding the need for addressing a range of issues to reduce the risk of aggression and violence. The treatment also involves information gathering and feedback, anger and stress management, skills training for thinking and problem solving, modifying drinking, and lifestyle maintenance. In a pilot study of the effectiveness of COVAID, 6 participants were assessed by using psychometric measures and self-reported alcohol consumption and aggression, both before and after a 10-session COVAID program. The participants and 10 other men deemed potentially suitable for the program but who had not completed it were compared for recidivism (reconviction) over 18 weeks from the time of referral. The six participants showed improvement on alcohol-related aggression beliefs, social problem solving, anger control, and impulsiveness. Improvements in alcohol consumption were not uniformly observed, although self-reported aggression was low. Reconvictions for violence offenses were lower in the COVAID group compared with those referred but who did not participate in the program. The paper concludes that COVAID holds promise as an intervention for alcohol-related aggression and violence. Suggestions are offered for further evaluation. 3 tables, 6 figures, and 35 references