Prevalence of new psychoactive substances and prescription drugs in the Belgian driving under the influence of drugs population. Issue 3 (27th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wille, S. M. R.; Richeval, C.; Nachon‐Phanithavong, M.; Gaulier, J. M.; Di Fazio, V.; Humbert, L.; Samyn, N.; Allorge, D.
• Is Part Of: Drug testing and analysis. Volume 10:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 539
• Page End: 547
• Publication Date: 2017-07-27
• Subjects: DUID -- medication -- new psychoactive substances -- on‐site screening -- oral fluid; Drugs -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Drug testing -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; 615.1901
• DOI: 10.1002/dta.2232
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1942-7603

Abstract

Abstract : Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) is a worldwide problem. Several countries have adopted DUID legislations which prove their deterrent effect and impact on road safety. However, the use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and prescription drugs is not known, as the applied roadside screening tests have not yet been adapted for these compounds. In this study, 558 blood samples obtained during roadside controls in Belgium (January to August 2015) after a positive Drugwipe 5S® test and 199 oral fluid (OF) samples obtained from negatively screened test pads were analyzed. The NPS positivity rate was 7% in blood, while it reached 11% in OF. NPS detected were: diphenidine, ketamine, 4‐fluoroamphetamine, 2‐amino‐indane, methoxetamine, α‐PVP, methiopropamine, a mix of 5‐MAPB/5‐EAPB, TH‐PVP, mephedrone, methedrone, 4‐methylethylcathinone, 5‐MeO‐DALT, 4‐Acetoxy‐DiPT, AB Fubinaca, FUB‐JWH018, JWH020, trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine, and ethylphenidate. Moreover, 17% of blood samples (and 5% of OF) contained an analgesic drug, 10% (0.5%) a benzodiazepine/hypnotic, 5% (2%) an antidepressant, 2% (3%) an antipsychotic, 2% an antiepileptic drug, and 1% methylphenidate. The presence of NPS in the young (and predominately male) DUID population is proven. Furthermore, a high level of poly‐drug use including combinations of NPS, licit, and drugs of abuse was observed. Further research concerning the development of on‐site NPS detection techniques should be established. Meanwhile, the effects of combined drug use on driving ability and the physical/psychological signs after NPS use should be performed to improve the on‐site DUID detection of NPS by police officers, so they can engage in blood sampling for a general unknown screening. Abstract : Nearly 600 blood samples obtained during roadside controls in Belgium (2015) after a positive Drugwipe 5S® test and 199 oral fluid (OF) samples obtained from negatively screened test pads were analyzed. The presence of poly‐drug use including combinations of NPS, licit, and classic illicit drugs in the young (and predominately male) driving population is proven with a positivity rate for NPS in 7% of the blood and 11% for OF samples collected from on‐site screening tests.