1. Poison- Murder, Accidental Overdoses, and Drug Offences
Less than ½ of 1% of all homicides results from poisoning.
Accidental drug overdoses are more common.
Crime labs spend more time on drug cases than on anything else.
Takes 6-8 weeks for full toxicology results to come back
Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9

2. Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9
Hallucinogens
The effect and intensity of response to these drugs varies from person to person.
Often derived from plants, hallucinogens affect the user’s perceptions, thinking, self-awareness, and emotions.
Affects of an overdose include an increased heart rate, often increased blood pressure, and sometimes panic attacks, anxiety, or psychosis.
Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9

3. Hallucinogens Ecstasy/MDMA K2/Spice Ketamine LSD Peyote & Mescaline
Psilocybin
Marijuana/Cannabis
Inhalants
From DEA Website 9/2016

4. Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9
Narcotics
Analgesic or pain-killing substance that depresses vital body functions such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and breathing rate.
The regular administration of narcotics will produce physical dependence.
Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9

5. Narcotics Fentanyl Heroin Hydromorphone Methadone Morphine Opium
Oxycodone
From DEA Website 9/2016

6. Stimulants
Stimulants increase feelings of energy and alertness while suppressing appetite.
As the drug wears off, however, depression often results.
Affects of an overdose can include high blood pressure, agitation, confusion, or seizures.
Stimulants tend to be highly addictive.

7. Stimulants Amphetamines Cocaine Khat Methamphetamine
From DEA Website 9/2016

8. Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9
Anabolic Steroids
Steroids that promote muscle growth
Chemically related to male sex hormone testosterone
Side effects include altered mood, personality, and frequently, depression
Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9

9. Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9
Depressants
Depressants act on the central nervous system and increase the activity of a neurotransmitter called GABA which results in drowsiness and slowed brain activity.
These drugs, consequently, relieve anxiety and produce sleep.
Mixing depressants with alcohol and other drugs increases their effects and health risks, possibly leading to coma and death.
Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9

10. Depressants Barbiturates Benzodiazepines GHB Rohypnol®
From DEA Website 9/2016

11. Drugs of Concern Bath Salts or Designer Cathinones DXM Kratom
Salvia Divinorum
From DEA Website 9/2016