Drunk female offenders find solace in alcohol

May 26th, 2011 - 2:53 pm ICT by IANS  

London, May 26 (IANS) Female drunk-driving offenders probably turn alcoholic because of failed relationships. Female drivers who drink are more likely to be older, better-educated and divorced, widowed or separated.

University of Nottingham researchers found that emotional factors and mental health problems were common triggers in alcohol-related offences committed by women.

The research led by Prof Mary McMurran of the Nottingham’s Institute of Mental Health, has called for more effective treatment programmes to be designed that are specifically tailored for women, the journal Clinical Psychology Review reports.

Prof McMurran said: “The profile of women drunk-driving offenders is of being divorced, widowed or separated and having fewer previous convictions than their male counterparts. Thus, it may be that these women are distressed by their situation and are turning to drink for solace.

“Treatment programmes that induce negative emotions may actually increase emotional distress, which may increase drinking and, in turn, increase the likelihood of alcohol-related offending.”

The Nottingham researchers carried out a systematic review of 26 previous studies from around the world to gather evidence, according to a Nottingham statement.

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