Chapter 9 Drug Identification and Toxicology Introduction Forensic

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Chapter 9 Drug Identification and Toxicology Introduction Forensic toxicology helps determine (a) the cause-andeffect

Chapter 9 Drug Identification and Toxicology Introduction Forensic toxicology helps determine (a) the cause-andeffect relationships between exposure to a drug or other substance and (b) the toxic or lethal effects from that exposure. 1 People can be exposed to toxic substances: l intentionally—by treating illness or relieving pain l accidentally—by harmful combinations or overdoses l deliberately—by harming or killing others or by committing suicide Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9

Poison—Murder, Accidental Overdoses, and Drug Offences l Not even 1% of all homicides results

Poison—Murder, Accidental Overdoses, and Drug Offences l Not even 1% of all homicides results from poisoning. l Accidental drug overdoses are more common. l More than 50% of the federal prison population and about 20% of the population in state prisons consist of drug offenders. 2 Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9

Controlled Substances—Hallucinogens l The effect and intensity of response to these drugs varies from

Controlled Substances—Hallucinogens l The effect and intensity of response to these drugs varies from person to person. l Often derived from plants, hallucinogens affect the user’s perceptions, thinking, selfawareness, and emotions. l Affects of an overdose include an increased heart rate, often increased blood pressure, and sometimes panic attacks, anxiety, or psychosis. 3 Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9

Controlled Substances—Narcotics reduce pain and can be very habit forming. 4 Forensic Science: Fundamentals

Controlled Substances—Narcotics reduce pain and can be very habit forming. 4 Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9

Controlled Substances—Stimulants l Stimulants increase feelings of energy and alertness while suppressing appetite. l

Controlled Substances—Stimulants l Stimulants increase feelings of energy and alertness while suppressing appetite. l As the drug wears off, however, depression often results. l Affects of an overdose can include high blood pressure, agitation, confusion, or seizures. l Stimulants tend to be highly addictive. 5 Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9

Controlled Substances—Anabolic Steroids l l 6 These drugs are produced in a laboratory and

Controlled Substances—Anabolic Steroids l l 6 These drugs are produced in a laboratory and have a chemical structure similar to testosterone. Anabolic steroids promote cell and tissue growth increasing bone mass and body muscle. Because of this they are popular with weightlifters, bodybuilders, and other athletes. What are some of the negative side effects that are possible? – All muscles get bigger, including heart which causes heart disease and premature death at young ages Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9

Controlled Substances—Depressants act on the central nervous system and increase the activity of a

Controlled Substances—Depressants act on the central nervous system and increase the activity of a brain chemical called GABA. l Increased GABA production results in drowsiness and slowed brain activity. l These drugs, consequently, relieve anxiety and produce sleep. l Mixing depressants with alcohol and other drugs increases their effects and health risks, possibly leading to coma and death. l 7 Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9

Controlled Substances—Alcohols l In what way are alcohols toxic? – Slow down functioning of

Controlled Substances—Alcohols l In what way are alcohols toxic? – Slow down functioning of the body; organs begin to shut down when alcohol poisoning sets in l How is grain alcohol produced? – Pure alcohol from fermented grain (corn); very dangerous as it is twice as strong as hard liquor; when undiluted it can cause blindness due to the methanol in it l What are the classic symptoms of a hangover? – Headache, thirst, fatigue & weakness, shakiness, dizziness, sensitivity to sound and light; extreme dehydration l What is the effect of alcohol on the central nervous system? – Lack of coordination; poor judgement and decision making l What can chronic abuse of alcohol cause? – Cirrhosis or liver failure 8

Controlled Substances—Bioterrorism Agents Ricin l is a poisonous protein in the castor bean. l

Controlled Substances—Bioterrorism Agents Ricin l is a poisonous protein in the castor bean. l is lethal in extremely small amounts. l can enter the body in various ways: – inhaled as a mist or a powder. – ingested as food or drink. – injected into the body. l can cause death within a few hours to several days later 9 Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9

Controlled Substances—Bioterrorism Agents Anthrax l is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis, which forms

Controlled Substances—Bioterrorism Agents Anthrax l is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis, which forms spores. l can be spread to humans from infected animals. l can enter the human body through: – inhalation; causing breathing problems that usually result in death. – ingestion; becoming fatal in 25% to 60% of cases. – absorption via the skin; leading to death in about 20% of untreated cases. 10 Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9

Power Point Review Questions – 17 Informal Points 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Power Point Review Questions – 17 Informal Points 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 11 17. By what three ways may a person be exposed to toxic substances? How common is homicide by poisoning? What is the most common way a person dies due to a toxic substance? What percent of inmates are in prison due to drugs in the federal prisons? In the state prisons? Where do most hallucinogens come from? What effects do hallucinogens have on a person? What are the symptoms of an overdose? What are narcotics used for in medicine? How addictive are they? What are some of the symptoms of a narcotic overdose? What affects do stimulants have on a person? What are the symptoms of an overdose? How addictive are they? Where do anabolic steroids come from? What are they most commonly used for? Why are they so dangerous? What part of the body do depressants act on? How do they work? What could happen if depressants are mixed with alcohol? In what way is alcohol toxic? How is grain alcohol produced? Why is it especially dangerous? What causes a hangover? When a person abuses alcohol for years and years what happens to their liver? What is ricin? Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9