Military-civilian differences in a driving under the influence (DUI) program sample

ABSTRACT

It is unknown how military-connected participants in DUI programs differ from civilians on sociodemographic, health, and alcohol severity factors. This study analyzed data from 19,639 DUI program participants from 2009 to 2014. Compared to civilians, active duty participants were younger, more likely male and married/partnered or separated, less likely disabled, more likely to be Black, less likely to report anxiety or involvement in domestic violence, more likely to report prior alcohol treatment and having a first-time conviction, and less likely to score in the problematic drinking category. Veterans showed patterns similar to those of active duty with some notable exceptions. Results may be helpful in tailoring culturally competent DUI program content, particularly among social workers who often serve this population.