Forensics Toxicology Drugs

Drugs Drugs are a natural or synthetic substance used to produce physiological or psychological effects. Drugs can be separated into four main categories: NarcoticsHallucinogensDepressantsStimulants

Narcotics Narcotics are known to bring relief from pain and induce sleep. They are produced from opium, which is a gummy, milky juice exuded through a cut made in the unripe pod of the poppy plant.

Narcotics Morphine- made directly Morphine- made directly from opium from opium Heroin- (diacetyl morphine) comes directly from morphine Codeine- present in opium but is usually prepared synthetically is usually prepared synthetically from morphine from morphine

Narcotics “Opiates”- though not derived from opium, these have the same physiological effects Examples: methadone and propoxyphene propoxyphene Analgesics- these are pain relievers aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen

Hallucinogens Hallucinogens are drugs that cause alternation in normal thought processes, perceptions, and moods. The most commonly used hallucinogens are: MarijuanaLSDPeyotePCPEcstasy

Hallucinogens Marijuana- this drug is made from the hemp plant Cannabis. When the leaves, flower, stem, and seed are crushed, the plant secretes a sticky substance called hashish. This contains the hallucinogenic chemical tetrahydrocannabinol or When the leaves, flower, stem, and seed are crushed, the plant secretes a sticky substance called hashish. This contains the hallucinogenic chemical tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. THC.

Hallucinogens LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) Derived from ergot, which is a Derived from ergot, which is a type of fungus that attacks type of fungus that attacks certain grasses and grains. certain grasses and grains. LSD acts on part of the brain responsible for sensory reception and causes hallucinations. It is usually absorbed onto blotter paper and sold in dosage units. It is usually absorbed onto blotter paper and sold in dosage units.

Hallucinogens Peyote (Lophorphora villiamsii) This cactus contains the most active alkaloid, mescaline. Sections of a dried plant, called buttons, can be chewed directly or the mescaline can be extracted by brewing it in water. This cactus contains the most active alkaloid, mescaline. Sections of a dried plant, called buttons, can be chewed directly or the mescaline can be extracted by brewing it in water. PCP (Phencyclidine) This is also known as angel dust This is also known as angel dust when mixed with other drugs. It can be smoked, ingested or sniffed.

HallucinogensEcstasy Ecstasy is a hallucinogen related to amphetamines. It drains the brain of serotonin, allowing users at raves to dance until exhaustion. Though ecstasy causes dehydration, drinking too much can cause the brain to swell. Ecstasy causes permanent chemical changes to the brain, and damage to the liver, kidney, vision and heart. It can induce panic attacks, memory loss, mood swings and paranoia.

Depressants A depressant is a substance used to depress the functions of the central nervous system. These drugs are used as a sedative or sleeping pill by slowing down the mental and physical processes of the body. Alcohol is one of the most commonly used depressants. It is the product of the fermentation of grains or sugars. Alcohol can quickly travel to the brain through the bloodstream where it quickly suppresses the brain’s control of thought processes and muscle coordination.

Depressants Barbiturates- These are known as “downers” and several are used for medicinal purposes; Secobarbital, phenobarbital, pentobarbital, and butabarbital Methaqualone- (Quaaludes) a non-barbiturate depressant, though an extremely powerful sedative and muscle relaxer. Chloral Hydrate- this is a sleep inducing sedative also known as a Micky Finn.

Drugs

Depressants Tranquilizers- these generally produce a relaxing tranquility without impairment of high-thinking facilities or the inducement of sleep. These drugs can cause psychological and physical dependencies with repeated high levels of usage. Some examples include Miltown, Librium and Valium.

Depressants Glue Sniffing- this is also known as solvent abuse, in which everyday household items are illegally inhaled to reach a ‘high’. Sniffing exposes the heart, liver and brain to volatile gases with a significant risk of death.

Stimulants A stimulant is type of drug that stimulates the central nervous system. Stimulants create an increase in pleasure, alertness, confidence and movement by interfering with the reabsorption process of dopamine in the brain. Amphetamines- these are man-made compounds used to mimic adrenaline and stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.

Stimulants Cocaine- This drug is extracted from the leaves of the Erythrozylon coca, a coca plant grown in the Andes of South America and tropical Asia. Cocaine- This drug is extracted from the leaves of the Erythrozylon coca, a coca plant grown in the Andes of South America and tropical Asia. Cocaine powder is normally snorted, and then absorbed through the mucous membrane of the nose.

Cocaine functions as a stimulant, by blocking the normal recycling process of dopamine. This buildup of dopamine contributes to the pleasurable effects of cocaine.

Stimulants Crack is made by mixing cocaine with baking soda and water in a solution that is heated in a pot, dried and broken into tiny chunks that dealers sell as crack rocks. Crack is made by mixing cocaine with baking soda and water in a solution that is heated in a pot, dried and broken into tiny chunks that dealers sell as crack rocks. It’s euphoria lasts only a few minutes, and with a quick tolerance level, crack has a high addiction potential.

Anabolic Steroids- This is a synthetic compound that is chemically related to the male sex hormone, testosterone. Testosterone accelerates muscle growth. But has many side effects when abused. Steroids are usually injected, but can also be taken in the form of a pill.