This double-blinded randomized controlled pilot trial examines whether approach–avoidance training (AATP) enhances the effects of mandatory Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic (ANT) courses by targeting implicit attitudes toward driving under the influence of alcohol or cannabis (DUI) among convicted offenders. Participants are recruited from ANT courses and randomized to receive four sessions of either AATP or a sham-AATP version as an add-on to standard treatment.
The intervention is based on a modified Approach Avoidance Task (AAT) and targets automatic cognitive processes by training participants to avoid alcohol- and cannabis-related driving cues and approach neutral or safe stimuli. Outcomes are assessed at baseline and post-intervention. The primary outcome is implicit attitudes toward DUI measured with the AAT, while secondary outcomes include the Implicit Association Test (IAT), as well as explicit attitudes.
This is the first randomized trial to examine whether implicit attitudes toward DUI involving alcohol or cannabis can be modified in convicted offenders. By targeting automatic processes not addressed in existing interventions, the study evaluates a novel mechanism to enhance current prevention strategies. If effective, the intervention may be implemented as a scalable and low-cost add-on to traffic safety programs.