Opioid Abuse Causing More Road Accidents

Patients who are prescribed opioids have more to be concerned about than the steadily rising rates of opioid overdoses. The same goes for the clinicians who prescribe them. Opioid abuse is causing more road accidents, leading to more drug-related fatalities, especially among drivers who have opioids in their system while driving.

Studies show that drivers who are on prescribed opioids are twice as likely to be in deadly accidents as those who are not using the drugs. Most of these accidents are fatal two-vehicle accidents. As the US struggles with an opioid epidemic, it becomes clear that controlling prescriptions can have a big impact on the lives of millions of patients.

These findings can also give doctors more things to consider when it comes to the decision-making process. Prescribing painkillers nowadays is a move that can have serious repercussions if done irresponsibly.

The rate of opioids prescribed per 100 people decreased from 72.4 percent to 65.5 percent from 2006 to 2016. However, this means that 214 million opioid prescriptions are still being written every year.

In fact, ‘drugged driving’ has now surpassed drunk driving among drivers killed in crashes, according to reports. It goes to show that the opioid crisis has deadly and far-reaching consequences. These concerns are what prompted researchers to conduct studies in the first place.

The studies are based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System. It contains records from throughout the United States in motor vehicle crashes that involve at least one death within 30 days of the accident.

The data analyzed is based on “driver-related factors,” which refers to the unsafe actions taken by drivers that lead to crashes. A driver with at least one driving error resulting in that fatal crash becomes known as the crash initiator.

The researchers used these driving errors in order to measure which drivers were at fault for the accidents. They then used toxicology results to look for the presence of opioids. Click the link to see Troy's top rehab placement programs.

Studies show that 54.7 percent of deceased drivers in more than 18,000 cases between 1993 and 2016 crashed because they were unable to stay in their lane. Additionally, more crash initiators overall tested positive for prescribed opioids, alcohol, or both, compared to those who were not initiators.

Previous studies have reported that opioids can make drivers dizzy, drowsy, or even sedated, thereby impairing their driving skills and making them more likely to crash. Opioids decrease alertness while also increasing reaction time, meaning patients tend to make more mistakes on the road.

However, most medications often carry warnings against driving, operating heavy machinery, or participating in other activities that can potentially be dangerous while taking them. Patients who have been given prescription opioids are advised to stay away from the road and avoid driving while under the effects of painkillers.

Opioids are still being prescribed despite the current epidemic because some patients suffer from moderate to severe pain. Opioids can block pain signals from entering the brain, making them very effective when it comes to providing comfort for long periods of time. However, their side effects can be dangerous because most opioids are very potent. Researchers say that the best way to reverse this trend of drugged driving and increasing fatalities, patients and clinicians must collaborate more closely.

If someone in the family is struggling with opioid addiction, it is important to seek help. A combination of medical detox and behavioral therapy can go a long way in the fight against drug abuse. But because every individual is affected by addiction differently, a comprehensive program tailored to their specific needs is necessary. Look for a nearby addiction treatment facility today and find out how drug treatment programs work.