Multidimensional subtypes and treatment outcome in first-time DWI offenders

Addict Behav. 2000 Mar-Apr;25(2):167-81. doi: 10.1016/s0306-4603(99)00053-2.

Abstract

The concurrent and predictive validity of Type A and B alcoholism subtypes was evaluated in 246 first-time driving-while-intoxicated (DWI) offenders. K-means analysis indicated that a two-cluster solution was optimal with Type Bs (28%) exhibiting greater premorbid risk factors, alcohol and psychosocial severity, drinking consequences, psychopathology, higher stage of change, and less coping confidence in comparison to less severe Type As (72%). After baseline assessment, participants were randomly assigned to one of three 10-week group treatments (DWI Education, Coping Skills, Interactional), and reassessed at termination, and at 6-month and 1-year follow-ups. Type B was associated with more severe symptoms after treatment, but there was no evidence for patient-treatment matching effects. Although Type A/B may be an important theoretical model for guiding alcoholism research, it usefulness and efficiency for treatment matching, planning, or placement purposes is questioned.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Alcohol Drinking / psychology
  • Alcoholism / classification
  • Alcoholism / psychology
  • Alcoholism / rehabilitation*
  • Automobile Driving / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Patient Selection
  • Personality Assessment* / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychometrics
  • Psychotherapy, Group*
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome