Methadone DUI
Can you believe it! The Arizona legislature is trying to make driving with more than your prescribed dose of Methadone a DUI. The Arizona DUI laws governing driving under the influence already technically cover this, but one supposes when there isn't work or publicity, one has to create it, right? Here's a local story excerpt about it.
New Bill Addresses Methadone DUI - Phoenix News Story - KPHO Phoenix: "Though the bill which passed banned using methadone while driving, senators said they will probably add an amendment before it goes to the Senate floor.
The amendment would let people drive under the influence of the drug if it's used as prescribed; if a driver has more than his or her prescribed amount in his or her system, he or she can receive a DUI citation."
Personally, I suppose if I had to pick whether the driver next to my vehicle has Meth or Methadone in his system, I'd go for the Methadone.
I'm curious to hear from people who are either on Methodone or have been. Do you drive? Any accidents? What are your thoughts on this proposed Arizona DUI law?
According to Florida DUI Attorney John Musca, other states like Florida look to states like Arizona when it comes time to legislate newer and tougher DUI laws.
According to Oregon DUI Lawyer Bart Herron, it wouldn't be surprising to see Oregon take up similar legislation in the future as well.
One thing is clear, Arizona can grease the slippery slope of DUI law trends nationally, so if there are states or people who have an interest in being allowed to drive with Methadone in their systems, now is the time to speak up.
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I am on Methadone. I have been since January. I don't suffer from the head"high" that heroin and pill abusers do. I can drive just fine. Actually I could do a whole lot of heroin right now and not feel a thing. That's the way methadone works. It makes it so you are unable to get high. It even does help with the pain I have. I have no sympathy for people who commit DUI, but people who are on MMT(methadone maintenance treatment) aren't high after being on the drug for a couple weeks. The only way they can test you for it when you are pulled over is by sticking a needle in your arm and drawing blood. now, I don't know about you but I have seen some cops butcher people arms trying to get blood. Well If they pass this law as long as I am allowed to drive taking my prescribed dose then I am not too worried.
I am an individual for medical reasons who has taken a prescribed dose of methadone for at least 20 years now and function perfectly well with methadone in my system, I go to work every day and function as any one else does, if the legislators in all their wisdom decides to restrict my ability to get to and from work they better be prepared to support me and my family because I won't be able to go to work without breaking the law, Methadone has it's problems but for every person who goes out and abuses it there are 10 people wko's lives have been changed for the better because of it. America wake up and start thinking for your selves