What are drug recognition techniques primarily designed to do?

Drug recognition techniques are primarily designed to detect observable signs and symptoms of drug use. These techniques involve the systematic observation and assessment of a person's physical and behavioral indicators that suggest they may be under the influence of drugs. Trained professionals, such as law enforcement officers or substance abuse counselors, utilize specific criteria and methods to identify drug impairment, which can include assessing factors such as pupil size, coordination, speech patterns, and overall behavior.

This approach focuses on real-time observations rather than relying on a person's self-reported history of drug use or conducting laboratory testing, which can provide different types of information. Additionally, while evaluating mental health issues is essential in the broader context of substance use, drug recognition techniques are specifically centered on identifying signs directly related to drug intoxication or impairment.