NCJ Number
187155
Journal
Drug and Alcohol Review Volume: 19 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2000 Pages: 427-439
Date Published
December 2000
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews the available evidence regarding the effects of opioids on driving skills and accident risk, with reference to the proposed changes to legislation in the area of drugs and driving in Victoria, Australia.
Abstract
The limited evidence available indicates that opioids apparently have few effects on the driving performance of either the clinical populations who have developed a dependency on opioids or people who use opioids illicitly. Similarly, there is no epidemiological evidence to suggest that opioids are a major cause of accidents. Nevertheless, in some jurisdictions, some people receiving opioids as part of therapy are considered a sufficiently high risk to warrant the imposition of some driving restrictions, particularly in the initial stages of treatment. In the absence of a substantial body of evidence to support such a view, it is important to conduct a more thorough investigation of the effects of these drugs on driving. Further research should examine the driving performance of clients who are both initiating and stabilized in treatment, along with an examination of any behavioral strategies they may use to minimize the effects of taking the drug. Research should also examine interactions between various types of opioids, so as to determine any potential cross-tolerance to the drugs. Such research may yield sensible discussion and the development of rational policy and legislation regarding the opioids and driving. 2 tables and 64 references