Chapter 9 Drug Identification and Toxicology Introduction

1. Chapter 9Drug Identification and Toxicology Introduction Forensic toxicology helps determine (a) the cause-and-effect relationships between exposure to a drug or other substance and (b) the toxic or lethal effects from that exposure. 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 Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9

2. Poison—Murder, Accidental Overdoses, and Drug Offences • Not even 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. Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9

3. Controlled Substances—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

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

5. Controlled Substances—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. Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9

6. Controlled Substances—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. • 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

7. Controlled Substances—Depressants • Depressants act on the central nervous system and increase the activity of a brain chemical called GABA. • Increased GABA production 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

8. Controlled Substances—Alcohols • In what way are alcohols toxic? • Slow down functioning of the body; organs begin to shut down when alcohol poisoning sets in • 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 • What are the classic symptoms of a hangover? • Headache, thirst, fatigue & weakness, shakiness, dizziness, sensitivity to sound and light; extreme dehydration • What is the effect of alcohol on the central nervous system? • Lack of coordination; poor judgement and decision making • What can chronic abuse of alcohol cause? • Cirrhosis or liver failure

9. Controlled Substances—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 to several days later Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9

10. Controlled Substances—Bioterrorism Agents Anthrax • is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis, which forms spores. • can be spread to humans from infected animals. • 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. Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 9

11. Power Point Review Questions – 17 Informal Points • 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