P03-238 - The use of cozart-test. A pilot study

Abstract

Objectives: Cozart-test is a non-invasive instrument detecting recent use/abuse of drugs in oral fluid, largely employed in many environments including law enforcement. The present study aims to evaluate the prevalence of drug-use and its correlates in car-drivers in a wealthy area in Northern Italy. Methods: The study-population consists of 67 subjects recruited by policemen in Bologna and surroundings. An alcohol-test was administered to all the drivers. The Cozart-test was administered only to a persons with a positive result to the alcohol-test. A semi-structured interview was also administered together with a brief clinical assessment. Results: Drug-users were more frequently men (86,6%) of Italian origin (97%) and were often stopped nearby discos. A positive history of substance abuse was prevalent especially among subjects between 26 and 30 years of age (8,3%). Alcohol and Delta-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) were the type of substances most commonly declared. Cozart-test resulted positive in one out of three participants. The Cozart-test largely confirmed the use of cocaine (17,6%) and two or more substance simultaneously (41,2%). Conclusions: According to the most recent literature, our findings suggest that cocaine and THC are the substances more frequently used within recreational setting, confirming the poor perception of risk by young people, looking mainly for the disinhibiting and entactogen effects of these psychoactive drugs.