THOSE OTHER DRUGS

The recently announced plan by Prime Minister Stephen
Harper to introduce legislation to tackle drug-impaired driving
focuses on attacking the use of narcotics, and the example used at his
press conference was of a death related to marijuana smoking (MADD
Applauds Efforts To Fight Drugged Driving -- Nov. 11).

Sadly, however, in the realm of drugs, this may be only a small part
of the problem. A so-far hidden and growing issue is the rarely
questioned and socially acceptable use of prescription drugs such as
sleeping medications, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics and some
antidepressants, barbiturates and codeine products.

With terms like "sleep-driving" now part of the medical and forensic
lexicon, and with more accidents occurring because drivers' alertness
and judgment are impaired by prescription medications, the problem
clearly does not stop with illegal drugs.

While the Prime Minister is poised to crack down on drivers drugged
with illegal substances, he may want to focus equal efforts on
ensuring the proper education of patients and physicians about harmful
side effects associated with the drugs they are taking and
prescribing.

ANNE ROCHON FORD

co-ordinator, Women and Health Protection

Toronto