Prevalence of alcohol consumption related disorders in a prison population convicted of crimes against road safety

Abstract

Introduction. Alcohol consumption is a major cause of traffic accidents, so that stricter laws have been enacted to avoid it. Despite this, there are still persons who break the law and go to prison because of driving under the effects of alcohol. We have investigated if these persons are occasionally alcohol drinkers or if they are alcoholics with difficult to modify alcohol patterns.

Material and methods. A cross-sectional study including 50 inmates from two prisons who had committed traffic crimes were interviewed about their alcohol consumption habits and their criminal and psychopathological backgrounds.

Results. 88% had indicators of alcoholism and most consumed other drugs. Previous psychopathology signs were only detected in 10% of the sample. A total of 72% had previous criminal records, half because of violent offences. They were socially adapted, with mean age 39 years, Spanish (86%), had a stable job and family (76%).

Conclusions. Most of the inmates due to traffic crimes are alcoholic, but very few are detected. Their alcohol consumption generates other criminal conduct, treatment being necessary in order to avoid relapse and social exclusion.