NCJ Number
200872
Journal
Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2003 Pages: 135-139
Date Published
May 2003
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study explored the use of illicit drugs by truck drivers in Brazil.
Abstract
In order to assess the use of drugs in the workplace, 728 samples were collected randomly from truck drivers in 3 geographical regions in Brazil. The samples were taken in conjunction with a Brazilian organization with the goal of reducing traffic accidents in Brazil. The samples were analyzed for cannabinoids, cocaine, amphetamine, and methamphetamine. The distribution of the substances found in the samples followed a regional pattern, with cocaine predominantly found in samples from the southeast region and cannabinoids identified in samples from the northeast and southeast regions. However, the frequency of positive substance results in the samples was similar for the three regions: 6 percent in the south, 6 percent in the southeast, and 4.35 percent in the northeast. The authors conclude that since the truck drivers selected for the study were not suspected of driving under the influence at the time their samples were taken, the results should be alarming to those traveling Brazilian roads. More data should be obtained for use in the development of national drug policies. References