The risks of substance use behind the wheel.
Driving under the influence of any drug causes severe alterations in perception and limits reaction capacity behind the wheel. However, substance use is spreading at an alarming rate among people who get behind the wheel in Spain. According to DGT statistics, 33% of drug controls conducted in 2015 tested positive. Note that the percentage is so high because these are not random controls—they are performed on those who already show symptoms or have been involved in an accident.
[Updated data: in 2023, approximately 5.5 million alcohol tests were conducted. Of these, approximately 2.1% tested positive. In the case of non-random tests, the rate rises to 25%]
Central nervous system depressant drugs
The most well-known are alcohol, opiates (including morphine, heroin, and methadone), hypnotics, anxiolytics, and muscle relaxants. The use of these substances has the following effects:
- Increased distractions and drowsiness
- Altered perception
- Delayed decision-making
- Slowed movements
- False sense of control and adoption of more dangerous decisions
Cannabis is the most widespread depressant drug among Spanish drivers. Under its influence, perception of what is happening on the road is altered and a state of self-absorption can occur, leading to distractions and subsequent accidents.
Central nervous system stimulant drugs
These include amphetamines, cocaine, and speed (and to a lesser degree, nicotine). The effects of using these substances are:
- Feelings of restlessness and impulsive behavior
- Excessive confidence in dangerous situations
- Decreased sensation of fatigue (actual physical exhaustion increases)
- Higher level of risk tolerance (dangerous behavior on the road)
Cocaine is one of the most commonly used stimulant drugs by drivers in our country. Its use generates a state that leads to impatient, aggressive, and competitive behavior behind the wheel. Violating traffic regulations under its influence is common, especially speed limits.
Central nervous system disruptive drugs
These include the well-known hallucinogens, cannabis derivatives, ecstasy, or MDMA, among many others. Even in small doses, their effects on driving are very dangerous:
- Alterations in thinking (incorrect decision-making)
- Altered perception (inadequate reception of external information)
- Altered states of consciousness
- Decreased reflexes and motor coordination
Ecstasy is the most common disruptive drug on Spanish roads, a hallucinogen that generates a sensation of euphoria and unpredictable emotionality behind the wheel. Optical illusions are very common and it is usual for drivers to perform abrupt and unjustified evasive maneuvers.
How to quit drugs
The integrative addiction treatment Begin Again is unique to CC Adicciones and maintains a high recovery rate well above the average of other treatments, with 86% of patients recovered. You can request information without obligation at 617 200 882
