Sessions

Amphetamines are a class of drugs, comprising everything from Benzedrine to Captagon to Ritalin. Having first been developed in 1887, leading to the production of the Benzedrine Inhaler intended to widen bronchial passages, it quickly became one of the most abused drugs in the world, largely related to its use and abuse in World War II. Amphetamine variants have never truly gone away, and many have seen a resurgence in both illicit use and legitimate use for weight loss, treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and use in the academic setting as a "smart drugs." Through the years, amphetamines have been identified by numerous street names, which include "Crosstops", "Whites", "Black Beauties", "Bennies", "Pep Pills", and probably the most often referenced street name of "Speed." This presentation will look back at the beginnings of amphetamine drugs, it's legal use and abuse, and will discuss many of the indicators of amphetamine impairment and abuse..

The 2023 Louisiana Oral Fluid Pilot Study represents a pivotal advance in the methods of detecting
and prosecuting drug-impaired driving (DUID). This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of
oral fluid testing as an alternative to traditional blood and urine tests in supporting DUID cases
across Louisiana. The initiative aimed to integrate oral fluid testing within law enforcement
workflows, examining its impact on the timeliness and effectiveness of substance detection
following driving incidents.
Results from the pilot study underscore the potential of oral triage as a critical tool in roadside
testing. The study confirmed that oral fluid testing could detect a wide range of psychoactive
substances with a high degree of accuracy comparable to blood tests but offered the added
benefits of non-invasiveness and quicker results. Significantly, the findings highlight a high
incidence of poly-drug use, revealing that oral fluid testing is not only feasible but also crucial in
capturing the complexities of substance influence beyond alcohol.
The implications of these findings are profound. They suggest a need for policy shifts to adopt oral
fluid testing widely across the state, which could lead to more efficient law enforcement and safer
roadways. This presentation will delve into the methodology, results, and policy recommendations
of the pilot study, aiming to foster a broader understanding and discussion about the future of DUID
enforcement.

Session Objectives:
1. Examine the Effectiveness of Oral Fluid Testing: Analyze the efficacy of oral fluid testing in
detecting drug-impaired driving compared to traditional methods such as blood and urine
testing. Discuss how oral fluid integrates into existing law enforcement procedures and its
impact on the speed and accuracy of substance detection.

2. Highlight the Prevalence of Poly-Drug Use: Present findings from the 2023 Louisiana Oral
Fluid Pilot Study that demonstrate the incidence of poly-drug use among drivers. Explore
the implications of these findings for law enforcement and policy-making, emphasizing the
enhanced detection capabilities of oral fluid testing.

3. Discuss Policy Implications and Recommendations: Review the policy shifts suggested by
the study results, advocating for the widespread adoption of oral fluid testing across
Louisiana. Explore how these changes could improve law enforcement efficiency and
enhance road safety, and propose steps for implementation that could serve as a blueprint
for other regions.

Drug use among drivers is increasing from year to year as is the diversity of the drugs detected.  This presentation will describe recent trends in nationwide traffic fatalities and the prevalence of drugs and alcohol in those crashes.  The range of drugs detected and specific drug groups, new and old, will be discussed.  The general operation of toxicology laboratories and tips for communication with your laboratory will be provided.  

Objectives will include:

1. Attendees will receive information to understand the scope and impact of DUI-related health crises in the United States.

2. Attendees will understand the prevalence of drug types detected in driving under the influence cases.

3. Attendees will be provided with an understanding of the operation of a toxicology laboratory and gaps that exist in testing and communication with law enforcement. 

Stuck in a rut? Scrambling for time? With every organization being asked to do more with less, resources are stretched thin and competition is high when it comes to sustaining people, programs, and funding. This is not a new phenomenon for community coalitions, but it has not been any easier during the pandemic. It is critical that coalitions meet current and prospective members where they are at, mentor membership on what works (and what doesn’t) in prevention, and recognize that no one individual, program, or organization has all the answers to these wicked problems. Learn from over 22 years of engagement experience, and walk away with samples, resources, and the tools needed to hit the ground running.

Learning Goals:
- Attendees will learn best practices in the engagement of volunteers, key stakeholders, and the community.
- Attendees will learn how to maximize and generate resources in their community to achieve their mission.
- Attendees will learn what works and what doesn’t in prevention, and where to invest their energy for the biggest impact.

This fast paced presentation will discuss polydrug use based on toxicology data from impaired driving cases. Possible sources of these substances are based on results of seized drug analysis concentrating on illicitly made counterfeit pharmaceuticals. Ms. Chiasson uses humor and audience interaction to deliver this important message. 

Learning objectives:

Evaluate polydrug use trends based on toxicological data

Review several case studies with polydrugs detected

Identify possible sources of polydrug use based on counterfeit pharmaceutical drug trends