Methadone is currently the primary pharmacotherapy used in the treatment of heroin dependence in Australia. Levo-alpha-acetyl-methodol (LAAM) and buprenorphine are new pharmacotherapies that are being trialed as alternatives to methadone maintenance in Victoria, Australia. It is therefore necessary to determine whether clients receiving LAAM and buprenorphine treatment are subject to any increase in accident risk compared to both methadone clients and ex-user controls. Ten methadone, LAAM, buprenorphine, and ex-heroin users participated in this study which involved operating a driving simulator over a 75 minute period. The 10 methadone, LAAM, and buprenorphine clients attended four sessions; pre dose with and without alcohol, and post dose with and without alcohol. The 10 ex-users only attended an alcohol and no alcohol session. In addition to examing the influences of opioids on driving, this design also allowed for an examination of whether there are any differences in driving performance when the levels of each pharmacotherapy are at both high (4 hours after dosing) and low (just prior to dosing) levels in the body. The findings from this study are discussed in relation to proposed legislative changes in the area of drugs and driving planned for Victoria, Australia.
Abstract