Drugged Driving- a growing concern

Drugged Driving
abbreviated article from the National Institute on Drugs

The growing issue of prescription drug abuse throughout the United States also ushers in the issue of drugged driving. According to the National Highway and Safety Administration's (NHTSA) 2007 National Roadside Survey, more than 16 percent of weekend, nighttime drivers tested positive for illegal, prescription, or over-the-counter medication.

Drugged driving is commonly referred to as driving under the influence of any drug that impairs motor skills, reaction time, and judgment.

There is a growing training need for law enforcement to be able to detect someone who is driving drugged. The usual tell tale signs associated with driving under the influence of alcohol are significantly different than detecting for drugs. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “drugged driving laws have lagged behind alcohol legislation, in part because of limitations in the current technology for determining drug levels, and resulting impairment.”

Typically, officers must undergo specialized training as drug recognition experts to detect characteristics in a person’s behavior and appearance that may be associated with drug intoxication. If the officer suspects drug intoxication a blood or urine sample is submitted to a laboratory for confirmation.

For illicit drugs, there is no agreed upon limit for which impairment has been reliably demonstrated. And determining current drug levels can be difficult, since some drugs linger in the body for a period of days or weeks after initial ingestion.

Drugged Driving Hazards
Drugs acting on the brain can alter perception, cognition, attention, balance, coordination, reaction time, and other faculties required for safe driving. The effects of specific drugs of abuse differ depending on their mechanisms of action, the amount consumed, the history of the user, and other factors.

Prescription drugs: Many medications (e.g., benzodiazepines and opiate analgesics) act on systems in the brain that could impair driving ability. In fact, many prescription drugs come with warnings against the operation of machinery—including motor vehicles—for a specified period of time after use. When prescription drugs are taken without medical supervision (i.e., when abused), impaired driving and other harmful reactions can also result.

In short, drugged driving is a dangerous activity that puts us all at risk.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse have far reaching impacts in communities. Register Today and experience this interactive training program that is filled with awareness of the community impacting issues surrounding prescription drugs, over-the-counter abuse, diversion, and the prevention resources to respond today.

The interactive training program encourages participation with real problem solving exercises and leaves you with realistic evidence-based responses and resources to implement immediately.

Attendees are prepared to implement next step responses in awareness, prevention, and collaboration utilizing a comprehensive CD-ROM Resource Guide/Toolkit filled with resources, checklists, and materials.

TRAINING EXPERTISE

Lamar Associates in partnership with the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators and Purdue Pharma have trained over 7600 participants representing over 60 federal and tribal programs throughout the United States. Our skilled trainers are recognized experts who offer a powerful blend of Indian Country experience in crime prevention, drug and crime investigation and community policing. Our programs are designed to build skill sets and as an added benefit all participants receive a valuable CD-ROM Resource Guide/Toolkit specifically developed to quickly access materials for enforcement, prevention, education and awareness.

PARTICIPANT COMMENTS

"He (trainer) knows exactly what is out there in our community"

"The diversity of the attendees is a plus so they are aware of the current trends. It's not just a police matter."

"Some of the information actually shocked me. The way people get their drugs."

Billings Gazette: Effort needed to stem prescription drug abuse in Indian Country

In the past few years we have witnessed a segment of our tribal population escalate the abuse and diversion (theft and sale) of prescription drugs. Indian Country is experiencing the same impact as other Montana communities. We have our share of doctor shoppers, pill dealers and heartbreaking examples of overdose cases.

As a tribal member who has worked in criminal justice throughout Indian Country, I also have personal examples of loved ones who became addicted to prescription drugs, ended up in prison because of drug-related crimes or destroyed family relationships because of addiction.

For more of the article click here

Host a Training Today!

Indian Country Training, a division of Lamar Associates a 100 percent Native American owned Professional Services Company is pleased to announce the "Prescription Drug Abuse in Indian Country" Training opportunity for Indian Country.

The Prescription Drug Abuse in Indian Country (PDAIC) is a two-day interactive program tailored for Tribes with a emphasis on next-step response. Attendees can expect courses filled with video, photographs, and realistic responses to begin addressing this horrific issue.

To continue our goal of quality and realistic training for Indian Country, we have partnered with the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI)

All attendees will receive materials and a resource guide/toolkit CD-ROM filled with Indian Country specific resources and information.