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Updated: May 20, 2026
09:16
A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
Driving on ice: impaired driving skills in current methamphetamine users
David Bosanquet1, Hamish G Macdougall, Stephen J Rogers
1School of Psychology, University of Sydney, A18, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
Psychopharmacology
|July 31, 2012
Summary
Methamphetamine (METH) users exhibit significantly riskier driving behaviors, including speeding and weaving, compared to non-users. This impaired driving is linked to METH dependence and personality factors, not just current drug levels.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Forensic Science
Background:
- Methamphetamine (METH) use presents a complex relationship with driving performance.
- While some studies show acute amphetamine use improving performance, epidemiological data link METH use to impaired driving and accidents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare driving simulator performance between current METH users and a control group.
- To identify factors associated with impaired driving in METH users.
Main Methods:
- Driving simulator performance was assessed in METH users and matched non-users.
- Subjects underwent assessments for drug use, dependence, drug levels, personality, and sleepiness.
Main Results:
- METH users, particularly those dependent, demonstrated significantly riskier driving: increased speeding, weaving, and reduced following distance.
- Risky driving was not correlated with current METH or amphetamine blood levels.
- Higher impulsivity and antisocial personality disorder traits were observed in METH users.
Conclusions:
- Findings support epidemiological evidence linking METH use to impaired driving ability.
- This research provides a basis for further investigation into factors contributing to METH users' increased accident risk.
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