Correlates of Breath Alcohol Concentration Among Driving Under the Influence Program Clients in Southern California

Abstract

Understanding factors correlated with breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) at time of arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) may lead to informed rehabilitation programs. This study describes correlations between BrAC at time of arrest and sociodemographic, mental, and physical health, and alcohol-related characteristics among clients in a large California DUI Program. Client reported data ( n = 17,282) were collected at an intake from 2009 to 2014. BrACs ranged from 0.083% to 0.390%, with an average of 0.159% ( SD = 0.051), almost twice the legal limit in the state. Approximately 10.6% of the variance in BrAC was explained by 11 significant correlates. Two sociodemographic factors (age and race/ethnicity) as well as several alcohol-related characteristics were related to higher BrAC levels, whereas comorbid mental and physical health factors played less of a role. Factors associated with BrAC are complex and warrant further investigation to identify causality and inform future interventions.