%0 Journal Article
%T Impaired perception of self-motion (heading) in abstinent ecstasy and marijuana users
%J Psychopharmacology
%D 2005
%A Rizzo, Matthew
%A Lamers, Caroline T. J.
%A Sauer, C. G.
%A Ramaekers, Johannes Gerardus
%A Bechara, A.
%A Andersen, George J.
%V 179
%N 3
%P 559-566
%X RATIONALE: Illicit drug use can increase driver crash risk due to loss of control over vehicle trajectory. This study asks, does recreational use of +/-3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; marijuana) impair cognitive processes that help direct our safe movement through the world? OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the residual effects of combined MDMA/THC use, and of THC use alone, upon perceived trajectory of travel. METHODS: Perception of self-motion, or heading, from optical flow patterns was assessed using stimuli comprising random dot ground planes presented at three different densities and eight heading angles (1, 2, 4 and 8 degrees to the left or right). On each trial, subjects reported if direction of travel was to the left or the right. RESULTS: Results showed impairments in both drug groups, with the MDMA/THC group performing the worst. CONCLUSIONS: The finding that these psychoactive agents adversely affect heading perception, even in recently abstinent users, raises potential concerns about MDMA use and driving ability.  Keywords: Cannabis impaired driving
%G en
%I Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group
%@ 0033-3158
%U http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00213-004-2100-7