Drunk vs. Drugged Drivers J. C. Maxwell, University of Texas at Austin

1. Drunk vs. Drugged Drivers J. C. Maxwell, University of Texas at Austin BACKGROUND: Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs is increasing in the U.S., but little is known about the differences based on the patterns of use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of treatment admissions reported to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Some 41,711 admissions with one past-year DWI arrest were analyzed using T tests and chi square tests to determine significant differences RESULTS: First-time DUI offenders differ among themselves in terms of demographics, treatment participation, substance use problems, and mental health disorders. Those with a primary problem with cannabis were the youngest, and those with problems with alcohol and crack cocaine were the oldest. Alcohol and cannabis offenders were the most likely to be male, and over half of those with problems with sedatives or with other opiates were female. In terms of race/ethnicity, Hispanics were most likely to have problems with powder cocaine and cannabis. Those with problems with heroin or other opiates reported more days of problems on the ASI scale and they were significantly more likely to use daily. DSM-IV mental health diagnoses were reported on 67% of the patients at admission, and the levels of mental health problems varied by the primary substance. Only 35% of those with a primary problem with alcohol reported having a secondary problem with another drug. However, alcohol was the secondary problem for all drug users except for those whose primary problem was with other opiates, whose secondary problem was with sedatives, and heroin users, whose secondary problem was cocaine. The criminal justice system was the primary referral source for more than half the patients with primary problems with alcohol, cannabis, methamphetamine, and powder cocaine. Those with problems with heroin, other opiates, crack cocaine, or sedatives were more likely to be self-referred or come from non-criminal justice referral services. CONCLUSIONS: The differences among drug and alcohol offenders show the need to tailor approaches with education and treatment programs. More attention should be given to the needs of drivers impaired through use of prescription drugs such as the opiates and sedatives, as well as female drivers, and the role of acculturation should be recognized in programs for Hispanic drivers. The lower rates of referral to treatment by the criminal justice system for some drugs may be an indication that their levels of impairment are not being identified at sentencing and they are not being mandated to treatment. In addition, the high proportion of alcohol as a secondary problem for some drug users may be an indication that if the driver exceeds the BAC level, further testing for drugs may not be occurring. Specific programs should be targeted to young cannabis abusers and underage offenders. All first-time DUI arrestees should be assessed for their levels of impairment, including mental health problems. • Maxwell, J. C. (2011). Drunk versus drugged: How different are the drivers? Drug and Alcohol Dependence (in press). • Contact Jane Maxwell, jcmaxwell@mail.utexas.edu or 512 232-0610.