DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) Diversion in Monroe County, 2 Creative Interventions in an Alcohol Awareness Program (From Pretrial Services Annual Journal, Volume 5, P 102-115, 1982, Elizabeth Gaynes, ed. - See NCJ-89690)

• NCJ Number: 89696
• Author(s): G M Appleton; J Katz
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Available on microfiche as NCJ-89690

Annotation

The Creative Interventions Program (CIP), a pretrial diversion program for clients charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Rochester, N.Y., is based on individual responsibility rather than on a medical treatment model.

Abstract

Since its inception, no individual who has successfully completed CIP has been rearrested on charges related to DWI. CIP is based on the assumption that most individuals with alcohol-related problems have not acquired or have lost the interpersonal skills and knowledge that enables them to recognize and meet basic needs associated with or met through social interaction. The clients meet for group therapy under stressful conditions, since they face possible felony charges and loss of their driver's license. Group members become aware of how their behaviors affect others and learn how to exchange less adaptive behaviors for more responsible behaviors. The group itself acts a therapeutic agent of change with all its members. The expression of resistance and hostility is encouraged to facilitate the feedback process. The article discusses selection of group members, characteristic leader approaches, evaluation of group member behaviors, and the procedure for termination of the experience. Footnotes, 11 references, and evaluation criteria are included.