Enormous unmet needs for alcohol treatment exist among individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) since up to 43% recidivate and 67% meet criteria for alcohol dependence. We will test whether delivering a cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) as part of a mandated DUI program improves health outcomes, and reduces alcohol use, alcohol-related problems and injuries, and DUI recidivism compared to usual care. The study has the potential to promote the public welfare by providing treatment to individuals with a DUI conviction, while focusing on Latinos, who are disproportionately less likely to access treatment and more likely to be arrested for a DUI, to have higher rates of recidivism, and to die in alcohol- related crashes than their white counterparts. The study is innovative because it would be the first to address effectiveness of treatment for AUDs embedded within a DUI program. We will conduct a randomized trial of a 9-session group-based CBT (n=150) as compared to group-based usual care (UC; n=150) immediately after and 6 months after the end of treatment. Short-term outcomes include alcohol use (rates of heavy drinking, percent days abstinent), alcohol use-related self-efficacy, and intent to drink and drive. We will also examine whether race/ethnicity, gender, acculturation, and alcohol situational norms predict our primary treatment outcomes (rates of heavy drinking, percent days abstinent) and DUI recidivism (alcohol-related violations).

Public Health Relevance

Our study simultaneously addresses a major public health problem (alcohol use disorders; AUDs) and addresses disparities in treatment access and alcohol-related health outcomes for Latinos with AUDs. Our study has the potential to benefit a large population of vulnerable individuals with AUDs who are at high risk of DUI recidivism and develops a new model of care to reduce disparities associated with poor access to treatment.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01MD007762-04
Application #
9261389
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZMD1)
Program Officer
Rosario, Adelaida M
Project Start
2014-07-10
Project End
2019-04-30
Budget Start
2017-05-01
Budget End
2018-04-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Rand Corporation
Department
Type
DUNS #
006914071
City
Santa Monica
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90401
Smart, Rosanna; Osilla, Karen Chan; Jonsson, Lisa et al. (2018) Differences in alcohol cognitions, consumption, and consequences among first-time DUI offenders who co-use alcohol and marijuana. Drug Alcohol Depend 191:187-194
Osilla, Karen Chan; Kulesza, Magdalena; Miranda, Jeanne (2017) Bringing alcohol treatment to driving under the influence programs: Perceptions from first-time offenders. Alcohol Treat Q 35:113-129
Chan Osilla, Karen; Watkins, Katherine E; Kulesza, Magdalena et al. (2016) Study design to evaluate cognitive behavioral therapy among a diverse sample of adults with a first-time DUI offense. Addict Sci Clin Pract 11:7