Citation

Garrett JA. Proc. Int. Counc. Alcohol Drugs Traffic Safety Conf. 1981; 1981: 1429-1445.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1981, The author(s) and the Council, Publisher International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The screening and referral to treatment of dwi offenders with a drinking problem have raised serious clinical issues in alcoholism rehabilitation. This paper presents a structural overview of an "adjustment demand" which develops as the result of the stress caused by a dwi arrest and conviction. The "adjustment demand" model is designed to give the clinician in alcoholism rehabilitation a conceptual framework within which to work with mandated clients. Stress is analysed in relationship to a dwi arrest. The transition from stress to an internalized threat is looked at as a disruption to a homeostatic condition - as defined by the individual who is arrested. This transition results in threat aroused emotions which call for the development of an "adjustment demand". Both the task oriented and defense oriented "adjustment demands" are analysed with particular attention to issues relevant to alcoholism treatment. The author believes that a dwi arrest is the best early identification and outreach system available to the alcoholism treatment community. (Author/TRRL)