Chapter 5 Drugs

 Drug – natural or synthetic substance used to produce physiological or psychological effects in humans  More than 75% of the evidence evaluated by crime labs in the US is drug related.

Two types of dependence  Psychological dependence – using drugs because of emotional needs  Physical dependence – physical need for a drug because of regular use. Characterized by withdrawn sickness when they stop taking the drug.  A person may develop a tolerance to drugs over time

Drug levels Drug levels can be categorized as: NormalTherapeuticToxicLethal

Types of Drugs  Narcotic – induces sleep and depresses vital body functions such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and breathing rate.  Opiates – pain killers  Analgesics – a substance that lessens or eliminates pain  Examples: Heroin, morphine, codeine  Synthetic opiates – not naturally derived from opium  Example: Methadone, OxyContin

 Hallucinogens – cause alterations in normal thought processes, perceptions,and moods.  Examples: LSD, PCP  Depressants – slow down or depress the central nervous system  Examples: Alcohol, barbiturates (downers), antipsychotics, antianxiety, huffing (sniffing volatile solvents)

 Stimulants – stimulate or speed up the central nervous system  Amphetamines (uppers or speed), Cocaine  Anabolic steroids – chemically related to testosterone and promotes muscle growth  Club drugs – synthetic drugs used at nightclubs, bars, and raves  GHB, Rohypnol, ketamine, methamphetamine (Ecstacy)