TRAINING COURTESY OF: DRUGGED DRIVING ALCOHOL AND DRUGS OBJECTIVES

Transcription

1 TRAINING COURTESY OF: Today s training is funded by a TxDOT Traffic Safety Grant. DRUGGED DRIVING ALCOHOL AND DRUGS OBJECTIVES Learn about impaired driving statistics for adults and youth Identify contributing factors to youth impaired driving fatalities Identify applicable statutes related to drugged driving enforcement Learn about emerging trends in alcohol consumption and drug use Identify commonly abused substances, paraphernalia and concealment techniques

2 UNDERAGE IMPAIRED DRIVING FATALITIES According to TxDOT, in 2014: 12.8% of all DUI fatalities were people under the age of % of all DUI fatalities were caused by impaired drivers who were under the age of 21 An additional 30% of all DUI fatalities involved drivers between the ages of 21 & 27 Per the CDC, the leading cause of death for people under 25 is unintentional injuries which includes vehicle crashes and falls UNDERAGE DRIVERS VERSUS ADULT DRIVERS YOUTH DRIVER Peak hours 10pm-2am Frequent back roads Multiple occupants Highly distracted Inexperienced Excessive speeds Wild turns ADULT DRIVER Peak hours 2pm+ Leaving drinking establishment Often alone Focused on not getting noticed Experienced (at drunk driving) Drive well under the speed limit Appear to drive too safe CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO UNDERAGE IMPAIRED DRIVING FATALITIES Lack of driving experience puts young drivers at increased risk. Young drivers are less able to scan their environment and detect or recognize imminent hazards. Young drivers are less likely to wear safety belts. In addition, after they have been drinking or taking drugs, young drivers tend to engage in risky behavior. For example, they are more likely to drive 20+ miles over the speed limit, run red lights, and make illegal turns.

3 BRAIN DEVELOPMENT IN TEENAGERS The brain grows and changes continually in young people and is only about 80 percent developed in adolescents. The last section to mature is the frontal lobe, responsible for things such as reasoning, planning and judgment. Full maturation occurs around 25 years of age. BRAIN DEVELOPMENT IN TEENAGERS Alcohol reduces the level of serotonin in the brain. One of serotonin s most important roles is to help control impulses, which may help to explain why drinking teens often engage in foolish, irresponsible, and dangerous activities. Studies suggest that alcohol-induced memory impairments, such as "blackouts," may be more common among young drinkers than adult drinkers. ALCOHOL AND BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

4 MIDDLE /HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS In Texas, 1 in 4 students had their first drink before the age of % of Texas secondary students report that they had used alcohol at some point in their lives and 39.7% report they have used in the last month. 17% of Texas high school seniors said they have driven after having several drinks and 34.7% rode with a driver who had been drinking alcohol. Alcohol is considered a gateway drug meaning early use is a predictor that an adolescent will try other substances. DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED VS. DUI MINOR DWI Penal Code Generally Applicable to adults (>16) Involves operation of motor vehicle/ water vessel while intoxicated (alcohol and/or drugs) Can be enhanced up to Felony 3 DUI Minor ABC Only applicable to minors (<21, per the TABC ) Involves operation of motor vehicle/ water vessel with ANY DETECTABLE amount of ALCOHOL (drugs not applicable) Can be enhanced to Class B JUST THE FACTS The alcohol involvement rate for young drivers, based on the total licensed driver population, is twice that of the over 21 age driver. The relative risk of a fatal crash for drivers under 21 is greater at low alcohol levels than it is for older drivers. Young drivers place a high value on their driver s licenses, and the threat of license revocation has proven to be an effective sanction for this age group. Studies also show that zero tolerance laws leading to the loss of a driver s license can reduce total alcohol-related fatalities. Zero tolerance laws also complement existing state laws prohibiting alcohol sales and service to youth. Young drivers are more willing to change behavior patterns when assessed a punishment rather than when given a warning.

5 INTOXICATION DEFINED (PC 49.01) Not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substance into the body; or Having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more. ALCOHOL USE - POPULAR TRENDS Energy Drinks Tampons Gummy bears Soaking candy Fruit Smoking Alcohol Beer bongs VIDEO: TAMPONS

6 COMMONLY ABUSED SUBSTANCES Marijuana Medication Synthetics Inhalants Mushrooms Ecstasy Salvia Cocaine 16 COMMONLY ABUSED SUBSTANCES MARIJUANA Marijuana is popular with both youth and adults: Growing trend toward legalization in many jurisdictions Public perceptions and acceptance levels continue to change Consists of much more that marijuana leaves, and now includes concentrates, oils, and edibles.

7 MARIJUANA Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a mind altering psychologically addictive substance which comes in different forms: Marijuana - from the leaves, and flowers of the plant Hash - a concentrated form of marijuana made by compressing marijuana resin into small blocks Hash Oil aka Concentrates - made by soaking marijuana in solvents such as butane and then evaporating the solvent to obtain a concentrated oil Edibles food/drinks produced or laced with THC; gives a full body high, and can lead to over ingestion due to slow onset of symptoms; comes in many different forms MARIJUANA: OILS & CONCENTRATES Concentrates: MARIJUANA: EDIBLES

8 MARIJUANA: CONCENTRATES Concentrates: Wax, Dabs, Oil, and Shatter are increasing in popularity Most often made using butane to extract the THC before evaporating the butane This leaves a sticky substance Can contain up to 90+% pure THC (compared to 15% street level weed and 30% dispensary weed) More hallucinogenic than traditional marijuana The process of making concentrates is highly dangerous One may see an abundance of butane canisters in the vehicle or home of those who make it MEDICATION - PSYCHOSTIMULANTS Psychostimulants, mainly consist of amphetamines (Dexedrine) and methylphenidates (Ritalin). Although stimulants, these drugs often have a calming and focusing effect for children and those with a hyperactivity disorder. Those without a hyperactivity disorder use these drugs for the stimulant effect. In general, these drugs increase the amount of circulating brain chemicals that speed up bodily functions like heart rate and breathing. MEDICATION: ANTI-ANXIETY TRANQUILIZERS Anti-anxiety drugs, also known as tranquilizers, are medications that relieve anxiety by slowing down the central nervous system. Their relaxing and calming effects have made them very popular. Examples: Xanax (aka Xannies, Handle Bars, Bars ) Valium Ativan

9 MEDICATION - OPIOIDS Opioids are medications that relieve pain. They reduce the intensity of pain signals reaching the brain and affect those brain areas controlling emotion, which diminishes the effects of a painful stimulus. Examples: Hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin) Oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin, Percocet) Morphine (e.g., Kadian, Avinza) Codeine A 2012 report from the CDC found that each year, more people die from prescription painkiller overdoses than from heroin and cocaine overdoses combined. MEDICATION - OVER-THE-COUNTER Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are drugs you can buy without a prescription. Some OTC medicines relieve aches, pains and itches. Some prevent or cure diseases, like tooth decay and athlete's foot. Others help manage recurring problems, like migraines. Examples: Dextromethorphan (DXM) Brands: Robitussin (aka Robo, Triple C s, Skittles ) Sleeping Pills/Allergy Medication Brands: Sominex, Benadryl Doxylamine Brands: Unisom, Nyquil Pseudoephedrine Brands: Zyrtec D, Claritin D PHARMING PARTIES (AKA TRAIL MIX, CHEX MIX) During these parties, students take whatever drugs and medications that they can at home and combine them in a bag or bowl. They take handfuls at one time without knowing exactly what they are taking and what interactions the drugs may have when mixed together.

10 SYNTHETIC DRUGS Drugs that mimic the effects of marijuana, cocaine and LSD. In many cases, the effects might be stronger and more unpredictable. Examples: K2 or Spice aka fake weed Bath Salts aka fake cocaine DEA has banned the chemicals used to make these products. INHALANTS Inhalant use refers to the intentional breathing of gas or vapors with the purpose of reaching a high. Inhalants are legal, everyday products which have a useful purpose, but can be misused. Methods of Ingestion: Sniffing through the nose Huffing -inhaling fumes through the open mouth Bagging -spraying the substance into a bag and placing the bag over their head Dusting -inhaling compressed air from sprays used for cleaning computer keyboards. INHALANTS Examples: Nitrous Oxide (aka: laughing gas, whippets) Dust Off Cooking Spray Spray Paint Glue 30

11 MUSHROOMS Psilocybin mushrooms: mushrooms that contain the psychedelic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. It is used mainly as a recreational drug whose effects can include euphoria, altered thinking processes, hallucinations, synesthesia, and an altered sense of time Common names: psychedelic mushrooms, magic mushrooms and 'shrooms May be eaten raw, cooked (made into a tea or soup), or ground into a powder and smoked, often on top of marijuana. MDMA (ECSTASY) Psychoactive drug similar to methamphetamine and mescaline. Effects the neurons in the brain that use serotonin, by causing excessive release of serotonin. This produces an energizing effect and feelings of euphoria, emotional warmth and distortions in time perception and tactile experiences. Side effects include confusion, depression, insomnia, drug craving and severe anxiety. SALVIA

12 COCAINE Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug made from the leaves of the coca plant native to South America. Cocaine depletes all of the body s feel-good chemicals after the user s high is over, thus causing depression and other symptoms, called a cocaine crash. Cocaine is used for its exhilarating and intense high. Cocaine can be snorted or dissolved in liquid and injected, or in the case of crack cocaine (cocaine mixed with baking soda), it can be smoked. CONCEALMENT METHODS We have already covered some concealment techniques for alcohol, such as Gatorade bottles, tampons and more. When it comes to drugs there are just as many ways to conceal. Users may use diversion safes that look like regular soda cans, water bottles, batteries, pens, clothing, etc. These items can be purchased at head shops like Planet K, or from online retailers such as Amazon. Additionally, users may make their own stash items. CONCEALMENT: DIVERSION SAFES

13 CONCEALMENT: DIVERSION SAFES CONCEALMENT: CLOTHING These items have built in compartments designed for hiding marijuana. PARAPHERNALIA

14 CONCLUSIONS We must look beyond alcohol, and look at the larger issue of substance abuse. Methods of ingestion used by youth may be far different from those of adults, particularly regarding alcohol. Current drug trends may be very different from when you were in high school, middle school, and college. New substances and methods of abuse are occurring regularly, which makes recognition of drugs and their effects a considerable challenge. THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING! If you have any questions, or wish to obtain more information regarding alcohol and drug abuse trends, laws, or prevention, please contact the FRIDAY program at: Phone: fridayinfo@tmpa.org Website: Facebook: