What is needed in the drug recognition process to determine the likely cause of impairment?

In the drug recognition process, diagnostic procedures are essential for identifying the specific substances that may be causing impairment. These procedures involve a thorough assessment that includes observations of a person's behavior, physical examination, standardized field sobriety tests, and possibly toxicology testing. The goal is to gather empirical evidence that can lead to a more accurate understanding of the individual’s current state and the substances they may have consumed.

Diagnostic procedures provide a systematic way to evaluate a person's cognitive and physical functions, which can help in determining how specific drugs affect their abilities. This scientific approach enables practitioners to make informed conclusions about the cause of impairment rather than relying solely on subjective impressions or assumptions.

Other methods, like peer evaluations, historical data analysis, or intelligence tests, may offer valuable information in their respective contexts but do not directly contribute to identifying the cause of impairment within the framework of drug recognition. Peer evaluations may reflect opinions rather than objective assessments, historical data can provide background but lacks specificity for individual circumstances, and intelligence tests measure cognitive function but do not connect directly to substance use or impairment. Therefore, the cornerstone of accurately determining impairment remains solid diagnostic procedures.