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Predictors of Completion Status in a Remedial Program for Male Convicted Drinking Drivers
Dan B. Rootman, Robert E. Mann, Lorraine E. Ferris, Catherine Chalin, Edward Adlaf, Rania Shuggi
Objective: Rates of attrition in alcohol and drug treatment programs are often greater than 50%, and completion of treatment has been shown to be a potent predictor of posttreatment outcome. The current study examined both rates and predictors of completion among male participants in a remedial measures program for convicted drinking drivers. Method: Male individuals (n = 5,409) convicted of a drinking driving offense in Ontario between October 2000 and December 2002 who did and did not complete a mandatory rehabilitation program were described in terms of demographic, drug use and legal variables collected at time of assessment. Results: The program completion rate was extremely high (97.3%). In multivariate analyses, noncompleters— relative to completers—were younger; drank more frequently; were less likely to own a home; and were more likely to live in urban centers, have two or more lifetime impaired driving convictions and have experienced more than one adverse consequence of substance use. Conclusions: Ontario’s remedial measures program for convicted drinking drivers, in which the return of a suspended license after the period of mandatory suspension is contingent on the completion of the program, demonstrates a very low level of client attrition. Individuals who do not complete the program bear many similarities to those at high risk for persistent drink-drive behavior and its associated negative health consequences. (J. Stud. Alcohol 66: 423-427, 2005)
