Drug Identification and Toxicology Chapter 9 1 2

Drug Identification and Toxicology Chapter 9 1

2 Forensic toxicology- scientist that aid medical or legal investigation of death, poisoning, and drug use. (a) determines the symptoms of exposure to a specific toxin and how to identify them. (b) determines the toxic or lethal dose of the substance.

3 People can be exposed to toxic substances: intentionally—by treating illness or relieving pain accidentally—by harmful combinations or overdoses deliberately—by harming or killing others or by committing suicide

4 Poison- some facts • Less than ½ of 1% of all homicides results from poisoning. • Accidental drug overdoses are more common. • More than 50% of the federal prison population and about 20% of the population in state prisons consist of drug offenders.

5 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

6 Hallucinogens • derived from plants • affect the user’s ▫ perceptions LSD ▫ thinking ▫ self-awareness ▫ emotions ECSTACY • Affects of an overdose ▫ an increased heart rate, ▫ often increased blood pressure, ▫ sometimes panic attacks, anxiety, or psychosis.

7 Narcotics reduce pain and can be very habit forming.

8 Stimulants increase feelings of energy COCAIN and alertness while suppressing appetite. • As the drug wears off, however, depression often results. • Affects of an overdose • ▫ ▫ • high blood pressure Agitation confusion, seizures. tend to be highly addictive. CRACK

9 Anabolic Steroids 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. • popular with weightlifters, bodybuilders, and other athletes. • What are some of the negative side effects that are possible? •

10 Depressants ▫ act on the central nervous system ▫ increase the activity of a neurotransmitter called GABA. • Increased GABA production results in drowsiness and slowed brain activity. • relieve anxiety and produce sleep • Mixing depressants with alcohol and other drugs increases their effects and health risks, possibly leading to coma and death. •

11 Alcohols • In what way are alcohols toxic? ▫ Methanol is not directly toxic but when it is converted into formaldehyde (in the liver) it is. • How is grain alcohol produced? ▫ Fermentation of sugar in fruits, grains, and vegetables. • What are the classic symptoms of a hangover? ▫ Headache, nausea, weakness

12 Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9 Alcohol • What is the effect of alcohol on the central nervous system? ▫ Depression • What can chronic abuse of alcohol cause? ▫ Liver damage and dangerous behavior.

13 Alcohol Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9

14 Bacterial Toxins Tetanus • Lockjaw, as it is sometimes called, is produced by the Clostridium tetani bacteria. • Its poison cause violent muscle spasms.

15 Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9 Bacterial Toxins Botulism • Produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, botulism paralyzes muscles. • It causes irreversible damage to nerve endings. • Very small amounts are extremely deadly. • Botulism is the most poisonous biological substance.

16 Pesticides and Heavy Metals Pesticides mostly are used to protect plants or food crops. Metal compounds are very poisonous.

17 Pesticides and Heavy Metals Metal compounds can damage many organs in the body.

18 Bioterrorism Agents Ricin • is a poisonous protein in the castor bean. • is lethal in extremely small amounts. • can enter the body in various ways: ▫ inhaled as a mist or a powder. ▫ ingested as food or drink. ▫ injected into the body. • can cause death within a few hours.

19 Bioterrorism Agents Anthrax • is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis, which forms spores. • can be spread to humans from infected animals.

20 Anthrax…… • 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.

21 . . . . Summary 1) What is the job of a forensic toxicologist? Forensic toxicologist seeks to identify poisons or drugs in criminals and victims. 2) What are the 5 main groups of controlled substances? Hallucinogens, narcotics, stimulants, depressants and anabolic steroids 3) Are all poisons manmade? Poisons can be produced by living organisms. Some are manmade some occur naturally