Self-Help Manual Interventions with Youthful Alcohol-Related Offenders

Abstract

Male young offenders are heavy drinkers and many report a relationship between their drinking and offending, as well as other alcohol-related problems. Evidence that behavioural self-help manuals are effective in reducing drinking in nonoffender populations suggests that young offenders may benefit from this type of intervention. Preliminary studies, using reconviction as the dependent variable, have shown no significant effect of a self-help manual. Methodological problems are addressed. Additional research into self-change strategies and alcohol-related expectancies is described and suggestions are made for the design of a self-help manual specifically for male young offenders who wish to reduce their alcohol consumption and related crime.