Characteristics of Prescription-Opioid-Impaired and Other Substance-Impaired Drivers in Rural Appalachian Kentucky

Abstract

Previous studies have highlighted the prescription opioid epidemic in rural Appalachia and its associated risk behaviors; however, no studies have examined prescription-opioid-impaired driving as a consequence of this epidemic. The purpose of the present study was to describe prescription-opioid-impaired drivers in rural Appalachian Kentucky and examine how they are similar to and different from other substance-impaired drivers from the region. A sample of convicted DUI offenders from rural Appalachian Kentucky completed a confidential research interview focused on their substance use, mental health, and criminal activity. Prescription-opioid-impaired drivers (n = 33) were compared to other drug-impaired drivers (n = 29) and to alcohol-only-impaired drivers (n = 44). Overall, prescription-opioid-impaired drivers had a similar prevalence of illicit substance use and criminal activity, including impaired driving frequency, to other drug-impaired drivers, but had a higher prevalence of illicit substance use and more frequent impaired driving when compared to alcohol-only-impaired drivers. Study implications include the importance of comprehensive substance abuse assessment and treatment for DUI offenders and the need for tailored interventions for prescription-opioid-impaired and other drug-impaired drivers.

A Comparison of Appalachian and Non-Appalachian Kentucky DUI Offenders

“…Finally, results also point to an increased likelihood of sedative- and opioid-impaired driving among Appalachian DUI offenders compared to non-Appalachian offenders. Provided past research highlighting above-average misuse of prescription drugs in rural Appalachia as a characteristic of the ongoing opioid epidemic 1 and evidence of high rates of sedative and prescription opioid use among another sample of Appalachian DUI offenders, 3 study findings indicate a need for Appalachian DUI intervention programs to educate on the dangers of driving under the influence of prescription medications. Study results also suggest that future researchers should examine other, less recognized consequences of the opioid epidemic, such as DUI.…”

“… 1 , 2 Although the ongoing opioid epidemic and continued increases in drug use prevalence in rural Appalachia have often been linked to a number of public health problems, such as high rates of injection drug use, overdose fatalities, and hepatitis C, recent literature has highlighted an overlooked impact of this epidemic: driving under the influence (DUI). 3 …”

“…Further, there are no studies specifically examining differences between Appalachian and non-Appalachian DUI offenders, although one recent study found that rural Appalachian DUI offenders have extensive mental health problems and criminal and drug-use histories. 3 …”