drug overview
TRANSCRIPT
DRUG OVERVIEWUNIVERSITY OF TEXAS POLICE DEPARTMENT
CRIME PREVENTION UNIT
DRUG ABUSE TRENDS
drugabuse.gov
UNDERSTANDING DRUGS
Disrupts the brain’s communication system
Overtime, the brain naturally produces less neurotransmitters creating a tolerance
Defining Addiction: chronic, relapsing brain disease
justice.gov
justice.gov
MARIHUANA
justice.gov
justice.gov
HASHISH
analytical360.com
analytical360.com
HASH OIL
CANNABIS
Hallucinogen
Also known as:
• Weed, pot, grass, herb, hydro, nuggets, nuggs, Kind Bud “KB,” Schwag “cheap pot”
• Indica and Sativa: strains of marihuana
3 Forms
• Marihuana: leaves from plant• Hashish: dried resin from flowers• Hash Oil: oil concentration from plant material
• 1 – 2 drops = 1 joint
HOW IT’S USED
Cigarette (joint), pipe, bong
• One-hitters
Blunts (cigars emptied of original tobacco)
• Swishers Sweets, Phillies
Mixed with tobacco (spliff), foods, or used as tea
When Cultivated: 421 chemicals
When Burned: 2,000 chemicals
Main Ingredient: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Drugs of Abuse
SIGNS OF USE
Environmental:
• Pipes, grinders, rolling papers, matches, knives• Residue, ash, trays• Covered smoke detectors• Rolled-up towels by doors• Smoke Buddies • Smell is distinct
Body:
• Bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, coughing
Behavioral:
• Slowed speech, slower reaction time, sedated
smokebuddy.com
smokingwithstyle.com
EFFECTS
THC connects to specific cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells influencing pleasure, memory, concentration, sensory and thought
Effects last 1 – 4 hours
Short Term:
• Distorted perception and difficulty in thinking, problem solving and coordination
Long Term:
• Loss of motivation, ambition, mental confusion, panic reactions, depression
Extended Use:
• Suppression of immune system, increased risk of cancer
REPERCUSSIONS
Texas Law:
Amount Offense Classification Penalty
< 2 ounces Class B Misdemeanor Up to 180 days in county jail, < $2,000 fine
2 – 3.99 ounces Class A Misdemeanor Up to 1 year in county jail, < $4,000 fine
4 ounces – 5 pounds State Jail Felony 180 days – 2 years in state jail and/or < $10,000 fine
5 pounds – 50 pounds Third Degree Felony 2 – 10 years in a state prison and/or fine < $10,000
justice.gov
justice.gov
METHAMPHETAMINE
Stimulant
Also known as: Meth, ice, speed, chalk, crank, tweak, crystal, poor man’s cocaine
Form:
• White or yellowish crystalline powder• Crystals• Pills
HOW IT’S USED
Snorted: straw, ballpoint pen, dollar bill
Smoked: pipe, glass stem
Swallowed: pill form, use of empty capsules, mixed with food and drinks, wrapped in toilet paper “parachuting”
Injected: needles , suppository
INGREDIENTS
Synthetic “recipes”
A mix of various forms of amphetamines and other chemicals to increase its potency
Possible substances include: cold medicine, battery acid, drain cleaner, lighter fuel, antifreeze, metals, salts, brake fluid, hydrochloric acid
SIGNS OF USE
Environment
• Needles, syringes• Pipes, straws, rolled dollar bills, hollowed ink pens• Small mirrors • Burnt, little pieces of aluminum foil or gum wrappers• Light smell of chemicals, plastic
Body
• Extreme weight loss, dilated pupils, sweating, flushed skin, body odor
Behavioral
• Excited speech, lying, aggression, compulsive behaviors, disturbed sleep patterns, anxious, hair plucking, sexual arousal
facesofmeth.us
facesofmeth.us
facesofmeth.us
EFFECTS
Effects: Increases dopamine transmission in the brain by 1500% causing a rush of sensation and emotions
Effects last: 6 – 12 hours, anxiety sets in afterward
Short/Long Term: Social withdrawal, mania, paranoia, open sores – “bugs,” OCD behaviors, brain damage, irregular heart beat, convulsions
Extended Use: malnutrition, lack of hygiene, “meth mouth,” organ failure, stroke, heart attack, death
Sodahead.com
REPERCUSSIONS
Texas Law:
Amount Offense Classification
Penalty
< 1 gram State jail felony Up to 2 years in prison, $10,000 fine
1 – 3.99 grams 3rd degree felony 2 – 10 years in prison, $10,000 fine
4 – 199 grams 2nd degree felony 2 – 20 years in prison, $10,000 fine
200 – 399 grams 1st degree felony 5 – 99 years in prison, $10,000
400 grams + Enhanced 1st degree felony
10 – 99 years in prison, $100,000 fine
justice.gov
ECSTASY
Hallucinogen
Also known as: MDMA, hug drug, love drug, sweets, skittles, smartees, molly, lover’s speed, X, Adam
Forms:
• Branded, colored pills• Branded: e.g. playboy bunnies, Nike swoosh, CK• Could contain caffeine and methanphetamines
• White, crystalized powder (Molly)• Snorted• Sometimes mistaken for cocaine
SIGNS OF USE
Environment
• Hidden pills in vitamin bottles and candy wrappers, common in night clubs
Body
• Tense muscles, sweating, increased heart rate, teeth clenching, involuntary eye movements
Behavioral
• Wide awake, high energy, touchy-feely, no pain awareness, sexual arousal
EFFECTS
MDMA causes the release and impediment of absorption of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for mood, arousal, appetite and sleep
Effects last: 3 – 6 hours
Short Term: hyperactive, acute sensory, emotional euphoria, increased physical energy, distortions of time and perception, dizziness, seizures, dehydration
Long Term: depression, anxiety, irregular sleep patterns
Extended Use: damages cells that produce serotonin, poor performance on memory task, lack of motivation, diminished concentration
REPERCUSSIONS
Amount Offense Classification
Penalty
< 1 gram State jail felony Up to 2 years in prison, $10,000 fine
1 – 3.99 grams 3rd degree felony 2 – 10 years in prison, $10,000 fine
4 – 199 grams 2nd degree felony 2 – 20 years in prison, $10,000 fine
200 – 399 grams 1st degree felony 5 – 99 years in prison, $10,000
400 grams + Enhanced 1st degree felony
10 – 99 years in prison, $100,000 fine
DRUG PARAPHERNALIAPowder is often sold in:
• “flaps” – small pieces of shiny paper folded into an envelope• Small glass vials, re-sealable plastic baggies, tiny sacks called
“8-balls”
Liquid is often sold in:
• Glass bottles, plastic squeeze bottles
WHICH DRUG IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MAJORITY OF CRIME?
ALCOHOL
Depressant
Alcohol decreases the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate and increases the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA causing sedation and sensory impairment
• Causes difficulty in walking, blurred vision, slurred speech, slowed reaction times, impaired memory
niaaa.nih.gov
ONE STANDARD DRINK
RATE OF ALCOHOL ABSORPTIONDepends on:
• Weight• Gender• Age• Time passed since last drink• Food Intake• Type of alcoholic beverage• Combination of medicine my slow or increase rate• History of alcohol use
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
• A BAC of 0.04% means 0.04 grams of alcohol per 100 grams of blood
www2.potsdam.edu
www2.potsdam.edu
HOW LONG DOES ALCOHOL STAY IN YOUR SYSTEM?Alcohol is metabolized at 0.016 BAC per hour, which is equivalent to one drink per hour regardless of body size and gender
* There are no techniques to hasten or alter the rate of metabolism
http://bloodalcoholcalculator.org/
BAC Level Hours until 0% alcohol
.016 (1 drink) 1
.05 3.75
.08 (legal limit) 5
.10 6.25
.16 10
.20 12.5
.23 15
A FEW CONSEQUENCES OF ALCOHOL
Blackouts, comas, alcohol poisoning, death
Unintentional injuries: car crashes, falls, burns, drowning
Intentional injuries: firearms, sexual assault, domestic violence
Mental and physical birth defects, miscarriages, stillbirths
Increased on-the-job injuries, loss of productivity
Increased family problems, broken relationships
Increased risk for developing alcoholism
SOME EFFECTS FROM EXTENDED USEDisrupts brain development and kills brain cells
Heart: stroke, high blood pressure, irregular heart beat, heart attack, and cardiomyopathy - stretching and drooping of heart muscles
Liver Disease
Nerve Damage
Ulcers
Pancreas: pancreatitis - inflammation of blood vessels, preventing proper digestion
Cancer: increased risk of mouth, esophagus, throat, liver, colon and breast
Immune: weakens system causing increased risk of diseases and infections
Vitamin B1 deficiency – lead to amnesia, apathy, disorientation
Depression, anxiety, memory loss
Sleeping difficulties
Dependency
ALCOHOLISM
Chronic and progressive disease, controls life
Develop a tolerance so that you need more to feel the effects
Ritual drinking
Can’t predict how much one will drink or for how long
Lose interest in previously enjoyed activities
Physical Withdrawals: nausea, sweating, shaking,
headaches, agitation, strokes
SIGNS OF ALCOHOLISM
Lying to others about drinking habits
Hiding alcohol in unusual places
Neglecting regular responsibilities or enjoyable activities
Law breaking
Seems extra tired, sad
Drinking in risky situations
Weight loss, upset stomach
Red nose and cheeks
awolspirit.com
Central Florida Intelligence Exchange
Central Florida Intelligence Exchange
SMOKING ALCOHOL
“Drunkorexia”
Methods include:
• Adding dry ice• Heating the glass bottle• Pressurizing the bottle
Alcohol is directly sent to lungs and brain, bypassing the metabolism and detoxification process in the stomach and liver for a quicker and stronger buzz
EFFECTS
Individuals are not able to gage how much alcohol is in their system
Higher risk for alcohol poisoning
BUT, there is no effective way for the body to prevent an overdose as in vomiting
Imitates a “quick hit” – higher potential to lead to an addiction
Increased risk for brionchospasm, lung inflammation, pneumonia
REPERCUSSIONS
DWI Offenses
First Offense: Class B Misdemeanor, 3 – 180 days in jail and/or fine <$2,000 fine (community supervision)
With a minor: 180 days – 2 years in jail and/or fine < $10,000 fine
Assault: 3rd Degree Felony, 2 – 10 years in state prison and/or , $10,000 fine
Manslaughter: 2nd Degree Felony, 2 – 20 years in state prison and /or $10,000 fine
Minors
Purchase, Possess or Consume: Class C Misdemeanor, <$500 fine, community service, suspension of D.L. for 30 -180 days
Providing Alcohol to a Minor: Class A Misdemeanor, < 1 year in jail and/or < $4,000 fine, suspension of D.L. for 180 days
• Open containers must be stored in vehicle’s trunk• Implied consent laws when signing driver’s license
Public Intoxication
Class C Misdemeanor, < $500 fine
mnn.com
TYPES OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE
Depressants – opioid pain relievers
• Hydrocodone: Vicodin• Oxycodone: Oxycontin
Depressants – tranquilizers, sleeping pills:
• Valium, Serax, Xanax, Rohypnol
Stimulants
• Amphetamine: Adderall• Ritalin
DEPRESSANTS: OPIOID PAIN RELIEVERSExample:
• Hydrocodone: Vicodin• Oxycodone: Oxycontin
Also known as narcotics
Tolerance develops quickly
Effects:
• Low doses: dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, slowed breathing• High doses: constricted pupils, skin is cold, moist and blue
Abuse: using regular pill or crushed tablets to ingest, snort or inject
• Effects: constipation, constricted pupils, moodiness, menstrual irregularities, death
DEPRESSANTS: TRANQUILIZERS, SLEEPING PILLSExample:
• Benzodiazepines: Valium, Serax, Xanax, Rohypnol
Slow normal brain function
Can produce sedation and memory loss
Dangerous when consumed with alcohol
Effects:
• Low doses: dizziness, sleepiness, slurred speech, reduced coordination
• High doses: clammy skin, sweating, unable to speak, eyes are wide-open, but vacantly staring
Abuse: using regular pill or crushed tablets to ingest, snort or inject
• Effects: irregular sleep, paranoia, violent, worsen anxiety and depression, cognitive loss, coma, death
PRESCRIPTION STIMULANTSExamples:
• Amphetamine: Adderall• Ritalin
Used to enhance brain activity, attention deficit disorders, narcolepsy
Effects:
• Short-term: nervousness, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, palpitations, headaches, changes in heart rate and blood pressure
• Long-term: compulsive use, feelings of hostility, paranoia, repetitive movements, hallucinations, aggressiveness
REPERCUSSIONS
Amount Offense Classification
Penalty
< 28 gram Class A Misdemeanor Up to 1 year in prison, < $4,000 fine
28 - 199 grams 3rd degree felony 2 – 10 years in prison, < $10,000 fine
200 – 399 grams 2nd degree felony 2 – 20 years in prison, < $10,000 fine
200 – 399 grams 1st degree felony 5 – 99 years in prison, < $10,000
400 grams + Enhanced 1st degree felony
10 – 99 years in prison, < $50,000 fine
In Texas, it is illegal to possess, deliver or sell prescription drugs
CONTACTPolice Department
512-471-441
Crime Prevention Unit
Officer Layne Brewster
512-232-9638
Officer Jimmy Moore Jr.
512-232-9634