Citation

Scherer JN, Silvestrin R, Ornell F, Roglio VS, Sousa TR. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2016; 168: 255-262.

Affiliation

Center for Drug and Alcohol Research and Collaborating Center on Alcohol and Drugs - HCPA/SENAD, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Professor Álvaro Alvim, 400, 90420-020, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.09.017

PMID

27736679

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Substance use disorders are associated with the increased risk of driving under the influence (DUI), but little is known about crack-cocaine and its relationship with road traffic crashes (RTC).

METHOD: A multicenter sample of 765 crack-cocaine users was recruited in six Brazilian capitals in order to estimate the prevalence of DUI and RTC involvement. Legal, psychiatric, and drug-use aspects related with traffic safety were evaluated using the Addiction Severity Index - 6th version (ASI-6) and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview.

RESULTS: Seventy-six (28.3%) current drivers reported accident involvement following crack-cocaine use. Among drivers (n=269), 45.7% and 30.5% reported DUIs in the past 6 months and 30 days, respectively. Drivers reporting DUI's in the past month (n=82) had higher scores in the "psychiatric", "legal", and "family problems" subscales from the ASI-6, and lower scores in the "family social support" subscale in comparison to those without a history of DUIs (n=187). An overall high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity and substance consumption was observed. Participants with 5+ years of crack-cocaine use were more likely to have been in a RTC (RR=1.52, 95%IC: 1.02-2.75), independently of marijuana use, binge drinking and psychiatric comorbidities.

CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of RTC and DUI involvement among crack-using drivers supports the idea that they are at a high risk group regarding traffic safety. Years of crack consumption seem to be associated with RTC involvement. Also, the presence of psychiatric comorbidities, poly-drug use, and cognitive impairment usually associated with crack addiction could yield additional risk of accidents.

Keywords: Cannabis impaired driving; DUID; Ethanol impaired driving


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Language: en