Citation

Arnold W, Brinkmann B. Proc. Int. Counc. Alcohol Drugs Traffic Safety Conf. 1981; 1981: 506-511.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1981, The author(s) and the Council, Publisher International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A 1978 sample of 10000 cases of suspected drinking drivers was checked for cases showing discrepancies between the level of blood alcohol and the degree of drunkenness evaluated clinically. Blood samples of those individuals were selected that were exhibiting obviously high degrees of drunkenness whilst alcohol concentrations in the samples were below the level of 1 g % per thousand. These samples were subjected to various radioimmunoassays, including morphine derivates, methaqualone, benzodiazepine, amphetamine, cocaine. Additionally, the bromide concentration was determined. Nearly 40% of all samples tested showed positive findings in these drug groups. Especially in the younger age groups, there were often two or three positive test results in one individual. Drugs in combination were sometimes morphine, benzodiazepine, barbiturates and, to a smaller extent, amphetamines. Additional inquiries showed that individuals with multiple drugs in their blood usually belonged to the drug scene. The results of this investigation show that: (1) in relevant cases it is possible to find out the cause of lacking ability to drive a car. (2) it is therefore necessary in cases where drunken driving is suspected to have a blood sample taken. Conclusions cannot be drawn if only breath tests are done. (3) there seem to be disadvantages in getting urine samples with the same aim in mind, since: (A) suspected individuals are allowed to refuse to give a urine sample, (b) results of tests on urine do not necessarily reflect the effects of drugs at the time of inquiry as do the blood samples, (C) specially the combined action of alcohol and drugs should be considered if positive test results are obtained on the same sample. In order to have a chance to perform further control tests, and in relevant cases, to perform the radioimmunoassay for certain drugs, it is necessary to have a blood sample. (TRRL)