Most states have laws requiring offenders to be screened for substance use disorders (SUDs).5 However, the screening process, endorsed at the federal level,6 is less than perfect. DWI offenders undergoing screening complete self-report questionnaires, may or may not be interviewed by a trained staff person or counselor, and are typically classified in dichotomous categories, according to whether or not they have alcohol- or drug-related problems requiring treatment. Those who screen positive are court-mandated to undergo further evaluation or to complete a course of treatment.5 Offenders, though, are often motivated to underreport previous offenses7 and substance-related problems to avoid being labeled or coerced into treatment, which leads to underdiagnosis.8-10
