NCJ Number
119627
Journal
Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Dated: (April-June 1989) Pages: 111-138
Date Published
1989
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This review compares the effects of opioids, such as morphine, heroin, and codeine associated either with therapeutic or illicit use, in contrast to that of alcohol on driving-related skills.
Abstract
The focus of the article is to understand the mechanism of the action of the opioids and to relate specific effects responsible for altering driving skill. Most of the information available on the effect of drugs on driving related skills and road crashes is based on alcohol abuse. The methods available for a police officer to determine the degree of intoxication with alcohol, such as breath analysis, are not applicable for other drugs. The pharmacological differences, the drug delivery system, and the selective action of different opioids on receptors are discussed. Results indicate that opioids do not affect driving skills nearly as greatly as alcohol, barbiturates, or benzodiazepines. 66 references. (Author abstract modified)