Project title: Measures for Evaluating Alcohol Dependency and other Characteristics Linked to Repeat Offending by First-time Offenders

File: I138.1

Problem:
Every year, some 15,000 drivers are convicted for impaired driving. Close to 25% are repeat offenders. Alcohol consumption problems are very frequent among repeat offenders, but they are also found in first-time offenders, primarily those whith a high blood alcohol content at the time of their arrest. It is thus important to diagnose alcohol problems and to intervene, after the first offence, with drivers most likely to become repeat offenders.

Objectives:
The study's objectives are: 1) Develop one or more tools for detecting alcohol problems in first-time offenders and follow up on repeat offenders with an alcohol dependency. 2) Develop one or more tools for defining other characteristics associated with repeat offenders. 3) Develop a set of tools that together can be used to provide optimal detection of potential repeat offenders.

Methodology:
The methodology is based on three complementary strategies: a literature review (in particular regarding self-discovery tests and biological markers); a survey of work underway in several areas (biomedicine, neurosciences, clinical psychology, etc.); and a comparative study of first-time and repeat offenders using selected measures and a battery of cognitive tests for measuring the neurotoxic effects of alchohol. Participants in the study will be chosen from among drivers who have been convicted for impaired driving and have been referred to the Fédération québécoise des centres de réadaptation des personnes alcooliques et autres toxicomanes (FQCRPAT).

General information:

Modality:
Postsecondary