Prevalence of new psychoactive substances and prescription drugs in the Belgian driving under the influence of drugs population
Drug Testing and Analysis June 22, 2017 Sarah M.r. Wille, Camille Richeval, M. Nachon‐phanithavong et al. 68 citations
Among drivers stopped in Belgium in 2015, 7% of blood samples and 11% of oral fluid samples contained new psychoactive substances (NPS), including diphenidine, ketamine, mephedrone, and synthetic cannabinoids. Additionally, 17% of blood samples contained an analgesic drug, 10% a benzodiazepine or hypnotic, and smaller proportions antidepressants, antipsychotics, antiepileptics, or methylphenidate. Poly-drug use combining NPS with licit drugs and drugs of abuse was common. The findings demonstrate that NPS are present in the predominantly young male driving-under-the-influence population and highlight the need for on-site detection methods and further research on combined drug effects on driving ability.