What is the primary reference source for Drug Recognition Experts (DRE)?

The primary reference source for Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) is the Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR). This resource is crucial because it provides comprehensive information about pharmaceutical drugs, including their effects, dosage, interactions, and potential for abuse. DREs rely on this information to accurately identify drug influence through a systematic approach. The PDR serves as a foundational tool as it consolidates data that are essential for understanding the pharmacological effects of various substances encountered during evaluations.

While the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) offers valuable insight into mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, it does not focus on the specific physiological and psychological effects of individual drugs, which is key in the context of DRE assessments. CDC Guidelines provide guidelines related to public health but are not tailored specifically to drug recognition. NIDA Reports, while informative regarding drug abuse and addiction research, do not serve as the primary manual or reference for conducting drug evaluations in the field. Thus, the PDR stands out as the most appropriate source for the needs of DREs.