With the rise of drug use in society, the need for drug impairment testing has become more important than ever. Drug impairment testing is a process of determining if a person’s ability to perform a task is affected by drug use. In this blog post, we will dive into the basics of drug impairment test and how it works.
The first step in drug impairment testing is to determine the drug(s) that the person may have used. This is typically done through a urine or blood test. Once the drugs are identified, a trained drug recognition expert (DRE) will assess the person’s behavior, mental state, and physical symptoms. The DRE will also perform various tests to determine how the person’s body is reacting to the drug(s). These tests may include measuring blood pressure, pulse, and temperature, as well as conducting a test of the person’s balance and coordination.
The DRE will assess the person using a 12-step evaluation process. This process includes evaluating the person’s pupil size, ability to follow directions, and coordination. The DRE will also look for signs of injection sites and other physical indicators of drug use. If the DRE determines that the person is impaired by drugs, they will make an arrest and take a blood or urine sample to confirm the results of the initial drug test.
One of the most important things to understand about drug impairment testing is that it is not just restricted to illegal drugs. Prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs can also impair a person’s ability to perform tasks and lead to a DUI charge. For example, drugs such as sleeping pills, anti-depressants, and allergy medicine can slow a person’s reaction time and impair their driving ability. It is important to always read labels and follow instructions when taking medication, especially if you plan on driving.
Drug impairment testing can also be performed through field sobriety tests (FSTs). These tests are designed to measure a person’s balance, coordination, and ability to follow instructions. The most common FSTs include the walk-and-turn test, one-leg stand, and the horizontal gaze nystagmus test. These tests are less reliable than the drug recognition evaluation (DRE) and are typically used as a supplemental test.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, drug impairment testing is a complex process that involves identifying the drugs a person may have used, evaluating their behavior and physical symptoms, and conducting various tests to determine their level of impairment. It is crucial to remember that drug impairment testing is not just restricted to illegal drugs, prescription medications, and over-the-counter drugs can also impair a person’s ability to perform tasks and lead to a DUI charge. Remember to always read labels and follow instructions when taking medication, especially if you plan on driving. Educate yourself and others on the importance of drug impairment testing and help keep our roads safe for everyone.
