Studies show more people driving under influence of prescription drugs

Driving while under the influence of prescription drugs has become a major problem across the county. Some studies have shown that driving under the influence of pills is becoming more common that driving drunk.

“This is human life we are talking about,” said Dr. Rose Swearingen addictive disorder specialist. She’s seen how people can be hooked on prescription medication then get behind the wheel.

“It does impact their way of thinking, their functioning, and it becomes something that they need to have, not realizing that they are mood altering substances, they get behind the wheel but they don’t realize that,” Swearingen said.

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Following the circumstances of the arrest of professional golfer Tiger Woods, Swearingen said she has seen behavior like this before.

“These are all things that result from a addict thinking that they can manage and control their drug use. That is nearly impossible, they need to be totally abstinent,” Swearingen said.

Dr. Swearingen also worries about another issue, especially in our area with more and more communities welcoming medical cannabis which could leave the door open for negative repercussions on the roadways.

“Medical marijuana does not mean that the addict is not going to be loaded, they are under the influence whether they want to believe it or not,” Swearingen said.

Recent studies have shown that there has been a steady increase in people being on medications and getting behind the wheel.

Sometimes combining with alcohol and becoming extremely dangerous to themselves and others on the road.

JOE GALLI IS ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER @JOEGALLINEWS