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An evaluation of an alcohol awareness group for learning disabled offenders in a secure setting
- Authors:
- BURNS John, ASPINALL Charlotte, MATTHEWS Chris
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Learning Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 2(4), 2011, pp.159-166.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Alcohol dependencies have been linked with offending behaviour, especially those with learning disabilities (LD). However, there is evidence that interventions for alcohol problems are effective at mitigating this effect. This study explored pre and post assessment scores from an alcohol awareness group (AAG) that were collected over 12 sessions from 34 service users with LD or a dual diagnosis of LD and mental health problems. Findings revealed that clients' level of knowledge and self-efficacy increased after programme completion. Post group, those with a lower IQ had gained a greater level of alcohol-related knowledge compared to those with a higher IQ. Clients with a learning disability alone scored slightly higher than those with a dual diagnosis. The authors concluded that the AAG was successful in increasing motivation to change drinking behaviour, knowledge of problems related to alcohol, and safe drinking practice. These outcomes were achieved across a wide range of cognitive abilities suggesting that those with an IQ below 60 could also benefit from this type of intervention. Implications for practice are discussed.