Prevalence of driving under the influence of psychoactive substances and road traffic crashes among Brazilian crack-using drivers. (1st November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Von Diemen, Lisia; Kessler, Felix Henrique Paim; Pechansky, Flavio; Scherer, Juliana Nichterwitz; Silvestrin, Roberta; Ornell, Felipe; Roglio, Vinícius; Sousa, Tanara Rosangela Vieira
• Is Part Of: Drug and alcohol dependence. Volume 168(2016)
• Page Start: 255
• Page End: 262
• Publication Date: 2016-11-01
• Subjects: Crack-cocaine -- Road traffic crashes -- Driving under the influence -- Drug Abuse -- Psychiatric comorbidities; Drug abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; 616.86
• DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.09.017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0376-8716

Abstract

Highlights: Crack-cocaine users who drive reported high prevalence of driving under the influence (DUI)and road traffic crashes (RTC); Users with recent DUI history show more legal, psychiatric, and social problems; Five or more years of crack consumption were associated with previous accident involvement Crack-cocaine users are a risky population for road traffic crashes. 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.