Little by little it is being recognized that alcohol addiction is a disease and not a choice. Alcohol addiction causes damage to health. The economic losses due to the treatment of diseases are enormous. In addition, social harms are related to alcohol-related abuse and driving under the influence.

Lobbyists for tougher DUI laws argue that stricter penalties and penalties have reduced the number of DUI arrests. But several studies show that legal action combined with alcoholism treatment decreases recidivism, the tendency to return to alcoholism. These studies imply that stricter laws only increase the tendency to drink more. For example, the first thing an alcohol addict would do after getting out of jail is to go to the first bar they find.

To reduce recidivism, a pilot program has been started at the Orange County Superior Court Harbor Justice Center. It is one of only two programs of its kind in the US The mission is to reduce recidivism, improve community safety, and promote healthier, safer lives for participants and their families by increasing treatment, supervision, and responsibility of high-risk drunk drivers.

The process begins with an admission of guilt. Admission criteria are that participants must be residents of Orange County, have the ability to travel to Newport Beach for court and Santa Ana for treatment and supervision. The program is modeled after a similar program for drug abuse. The success of the program depends on the effect it has on DUI incidents.

Alcohol treatment involves medical treatment, counseling sessions, monitoring and supervision of participants. Without medical treatment, AA programs instill confidence to say no to alcohol. Therefore, extended participation in AA is a strong measure to reduce recidivism. Additionally, mandatory formal probation has an effect on DUI behavior.