Factors associated with driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs among an Australian sample of regular ecstasy users

The aim of the present study was to investigate factors associated with driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and other drugs (ecstasy, cannabis and methamphetamine) among a group of regular ecstasy users. Participants were those who participated in the Australian Ecstasy and related Drug Reporting System (EDRS) in 2007 and had recently driven a motor vehicle (n = 573). Participants were administered a semi-structured face-to-face interview which included questions about ecstasy and other drug use, associated health-related issues, and risk behaviours. Close to half of those who were current consumers of ecstasy, cannabis, and methamphetamine had recently driven under the influence of these drugs, while two-fifths of current alcohol users reported recent drink driving. Frequency of use for each substance was the most significant correlate of DUI of alcohol, cannabis, and methamphetamine, suggesting that interventions targeting high frequency and problematic drug use may be useful in reducing the occurrence of DUI for these substances. Low perception of the likelihood of having an accident was the most significant correlate of DUI of ecstasy and also related significantly to DUI of other substances. Perceptions of low likelihood of being apprehended by police and demographic characteristics such as younger age and male sex were also weakly associated with DUI. Together these findings have important implications for targeted interventions aimed at reducing the occurrence of DUI among regular drug users. © 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.