Slide 1:DRUGS


Introduction :Introduction What is a drug? A drug can be defined as a natural or synthetic substance that is used to produce physiological or psychological effects in humans or other higher order animals. What makes a drug illicit vs. street? Club? Body building? Prescription? Synthetic? Natural?


Slide 3:Is alcohol a drug? Which is more deadly? Are all drugs toxic? How are drugs administered?


Slide 4:Neurotransmitters Chemicals that are used to relay, amplify and modulate signals Serotonin – mood, sleep, body temp Dopamine – reward system Opioid – ativated by pain, reduces sensation GABA - sedative, tranquilizing drugs


Slide 5:GHB – a drug Compare: GABA – a neurotransmimtter


Slide 6:What are the types of drugs that concern us in forensics? What is a designer drug? Designer drugs are drugs produced by a minor modification in the chemical structure of an existing drug, resulting in a new substance with similar pharmacological effects. What is an analog?


Chemical Analogs :Chemical Analogs MDMA: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine MDA: 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine


Dependence Models :Dependence Models Disease (can’t help it, pre-occupied, support group) – doesn’t explain different reactions Physical Dependence – habit leads to dependence – doesn’t explain pot, cocaine non-addictive to some people Positive Reinforcement – animal testing proved – negative side effect defeat model


What is Scheduling? :What is Scheduling? Drug Schedule I – V Compare to Chemical Schedules DEA investigates and makes recommendations (unless emergency) Health and Human Services evaluates


Alcohol :Alcohol Fermentation – metabolizing alcohol is a natural process Proof – double the concentration Effected by disease, inflammation (blocks blood flow), stomach contents, age, gender Breath analysis – 1200:1 measurement by light absorption


Narcotics :Narcotics Narcotic drugs are analgesics (suppress pain). This effects functions such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and breathing rate. The regular use of a narcotic drug will invariably lead to physical dependence. The most common source for these narcotic drugs is opium, extracted from poppies.


Opiates :Opiates Morphine is readily extracted from opium and is used to synthesize heroin (heroin provides a stronger “rush”). Addicts frequently dissolve heroin in water by heating it in a spoon, and then inject in the skin. Heroin produces a “high” that is accompanied by drowsiness and a sense of well-being that generally last for three to four hours. Codeine is also present in opium, but it is usually prepared synthetically from morphine.


Other Opiates :Other Opiates OxyContin, is similar to morphine, and prescribed for chronic pain. Methadone is a synthetic opiate related to heroin and is used to treat opiate addiction (creates a safer addiction).


Hallucinogens :Hallucinogens Marijuana is the most well-known member of this class. Hallucinogens cause marked changes in normal thought processes, perceptions, and moods. Marijuana is the most controversial drug in this class


Marijuana :Marijuana Marijuana refers to a preparation derived from the plant Cannabis. The chemical substance largely responsible for the hallucinogenic properties of marijuana is known as tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. The THC content of Cannabis varies in different parts of the plant, generally decreasing in the following sequence: resin, flowers, leaves, with little THC in the stem, roots, or seeds. The THC-rich resin is known as hashish. Marijuana does not cause physical dependency, but the risk of harm is in heavy, long-term use.


Other Hallucinogens :Other Hallucinogens Other hallucinogens include LSD, mescaline, PCP, psilocybin, and MDMA (Ecstasy). LSD is synthesized from lysergic acid, and can cause hallucinations that can last for 12 hours. Phencyclidine, or PCP, is often synthesized in clandestine laboratories and is often smoked, ingested, or sniffed. PCP is often mixed with other drugs, such as LSD, or amphetamine, and is sold as a powder (“angle dust”), capsule, or tablet. Oral intake of PCP first leads to feelings of strength and invulnerability, which may turn to depression, tendencies toward violence, and suicide.


Depressants :Depressants Depressants depress the functions of the central nervous system. Depressants calm irritability and anxiety and may induce sleep. These include alcohol (ethanol), barbiturates, tranquilizers, and various substances that can be sniffed, such as airplane glue, model cement, or aerosol gas propellants such as freon.


Depressants :Depressants Barbiturates, or “downers,” are normally taken orally and create a feeling of well-being, relax the body, and produce sleep. Tranquilizers, unlike barbiturates, produce a relaxing tranquility without impairment of high-thinking faculties or inducing sleep. Sniffing has immediate effects such as exhilaration, but impairs judgment and may cause liver, heart, and brain damage or even death.


Stimulants :Stimulants Stimulants include amphetamines, sometimes known as “uppers” or “speed,” and cocaine, which in its free-base form is known as crack. Stimulants are substances taken to increase alertness or activity, followed by a decrease in fatigue and a loss of appetite.


Stimulants :Stimulants Amphetamine and methamphetamine, often injected intravenously, cause an initial “rush,” followed by an intense feeling of pleasure. This is followed by a period of exhaustion and a prolonged period of depression. Cocaine, extracted from the leaves of Erythroxylin coca, causes increased alertness and vigor, accompanied by the suppression of hunger, fatigue, and boredom. Crack is cocaine mixed with baking soda and water, then heated. Crack is often smoked in glass pipes, and, like cocaine, stimulates the brain’s pleasure center.


Club Drugs :Club Drugs The term club drugs refers to synthetic drugs that are used at nightclubs, bars, and raves (all-night dance parties). Substances that are often used as club drugs include, but are not limited to, MDMA (Ecstasy), GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), Rohypnol (“Roofies”), ketamine, and methamphetamine. GHB and Rohypnol are central nervous system depressants that are often connected with drug-facilitated sexual assault, rape, and robbery.


Club Drugs :Club Drugs Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also known as MDMA or Ecstasy, is a synthetic drug that exhibits many hallucinogenic and amphetamine-like effects. Ecstasy enhances self-awareness and decreases inhibitions; however, seizures, muscle breakdown, stroke, kidney failure, and cardiovascular system failure often accompany chronic abuse. Ketamine is primarily used as a veterinary animal anesthetic that in humans causes euphoria and hallucinations. Ketamine can also cause impaired motor functions, high blood pressure, amnesia, and mild respiratory depression.


Slide 23:Club Drug Culture


Critical Study: Perceived Personal Risk :Critical Study: Perceived Personal Risk Drug awareness efforts warn kids that ecstasy is not safe but… 73% of ecstasy users KNOW it’s unsafe… …for OTHERS


Slide 25: German ecstasy study finds brain loss MAY not be permanent User’s Conclusion: Ecstasy damage is not a threat Reality Check: Even temporary damage is serious! Oh…and that picture from the U.S. Government???? Under dispute


Slide 26:Government funded Johns Hopkins ape study linking ecstasy to Parkinson’s BOTCHED He-he! That was METH! Pro-Drug Conclusion: Ecstasy is not dangerous Reality Check: More studies are needed Alcohol


Anabolic Steroids :Anabolic Steroids Synthetic compounds that are chemically related to the male sex hormone testosterone Used for muscle growth or increasing weight loss Side effects include unpredictable effects on mood and personality, depression, diminished sex drive, halting bone growth, liver cancer and increased potential of other drug usage Benefits include income gain and psychological


Over the Counter Drugs :Over the Counter Drugs Cough medicine Inhalants (Household chemicals) Make up


Drug Identification :Drug Identification Two phases: Screening test that is nonspecific and preliminary in nature to reduce the possibilities to a manageable number. Confirmation test that is a single test that specifically identifies a substance.


Preliminary Analysis :Preliminary Analysis Narrow down the identification process (reduce time and costs) Utilize color or otherwise simple tests: UV Spec, Fluorescent Spec, IR Spec Prone to false results May require drugs to be separated


Confirmatory Tests :Confirmatory Tests Forensic chemists exclude all other known chemical substances. Typically infrared spectrophotometry or mass spectrometry is used to specifically identify a drug substance.


Collection and Preservation :Collection and Preservation The field investigator has the responsibility of ensuring that the evidence is properly packaged and labeled for the laboratory. All packages must be marked with information that is sufficient to ensure identification by the officer in the future and establish the chain of custody.