According to her, during raids, especially on weekends, many intoxicated drivers are brought to the center — "the journal is filled with records." The specialist noted that the problem concerns not only alcohol but also cases of drug intoxication are recorded.
"The situation is a serious concern. Many drivers do not recognize their guilt and do not admit to their mistakes. We often face aggression from such patients," the doctor emphasized.Aliya Ashchi also pointed out that tightening responsibility for driving while intoxicated is a necessary step, as the problem is systemic in nature.
Often, narcologists hear excuses from drivers like: "I only had a mug of beer, it's not vodka." However, Aliya Ashchi emphasizes that there is no term "a little drunk" in medicine.
"There are only two states — sober and drunk. Regardless of the degree of intoxication, you are still drunk!" she explained.Some drivers claim that a positive test can be caused, for example, by consuming fermented dairy products. Nevertheless, the doctor reminds that tests are only an additional method of diagnosis.
"The main conclusion is made based on the clinical picture. That is why the examination is conducted by a narcologist, who assesses the overall condition of the patient," she added.
According to Aliya Ashchi, it is impossible to imitate alcohol or drug intoxication. Doctors pay attention to signs such as skin and eye redness, as well as speech and movement coordination features.
"Some patients refuse the Rapoport test or try to deceive the tests by taking oil or using drips. But this does not help. We will accurately determine whether a person is drunk, and in the case of a false test result, this will also be established," noted the narcologist.
Regarding kumys or bozo, the doctor clarified that these drinks may contain a small amount of alcohol due to the fermentation process. However, the diagnosis is made not based on the fact of consumption but on the impact on cognitive functions: reaction speed, attention, and thinking.
"If the drink did not affect the person's condition, they will be considered sober. But in practice, most drivers who come to us have consumed alcohol," she concluded.
The specialist also warned: alcohol is a depressant of the central nervous system, despite the fact that a person may feel euphoric. This is a deceptive feeling, as cognitive functions actually deteriorate.
The main changes caused by alcohol include:
- decreased self-criticism;
- complicated self-control;
- overestimation of one's abilities;
- emotional instability;
- slowed reaction and decreased concentration.
"Alcohol disables internal control. A person thinks they are fully in control of the situation and can avoid consequences. But this is an illusion. Alcohol worsens driving abilities," the doctor added.According to her, there is no safe dose of alcohol. The body's reaction is individual and depends on many factors such as age, weight, gender, health, and emotional state. "It is best not to drink at all or not to take risks by driving while intoxicated," she summarized.
Even several hours after consuming alcohol, cognitive functions may remain impaired.
Driving under the influence of drugs, especially among young people, is a separate concern.
"In 99% of cases, those driving while intoxicated are men. Alcohol is more common among middle-aged people, while drugs are prevalent among the youth," reported Aliya Ashchi.Clinical symptoms can vary depending on the substance consumed. Some drugs slow down the central nervous system, causing lethargy and drowsiness, while others can be stimulants that provoke risky behavior. However, in any case, there is a decrease in attention and slowed reaction.
"Both alcohol and drug intoxication pose the same danger behind the wheel," the specialist concluded.It should be noted that in Kyrgyzstan, there are plans to tighten penalties for traffic violations.
- According to the new draft, driving a vehicle while intoxicated will lead to a two-year license suspension (while current legislation provides for one year).
- A repeat offense after the suspension period will result in a four-year suspension with vehicle confiscation.
- A driver's refusal to undergo an intoxication test will also lead to a two-year license suspension (currently, this results in a three-day arrest).
Photo on the main page is illustrative: kolesa.kz.
