DRUGSDRUGS

Chapter 9

What is a Drug?

• Any chemical substance – naturally occurring or synthesized that can alter the physiology or psychology of a human being or other higher animal.

• A drug can be classified as either pharmacological or recreational.

So what qualifies as a Drug?

• Alcohol• Tobacco• And everything else you can thinks of that

affects mind and body.

WHO STARTED THIS?

ALCOHOL,TOBACCO, OPIUM,

• Intentionally fermented beverages existed at least as early as the Neolithic period (cir. 10,000 B.C.)

• 6000 B.C. Experts believe the tobacco plant, as we know it today, begins growing in the Americas by Native American tribes.

• 3400 B.C. The opium poppy is cultivated in lower Mesopotamia.

Cannibis• 6000 B.C. Cannabis seeds used for food in China. First to use

Fingerprints and POT! • 4000 B.C. Textiles made of hemp are used in China.

2727 B.C. First recorded use of cannabis as medicine in Chinese and Indian pharmacopoeia.

• 1000 B.C. – becomes a major part of Hindu culture• 900 A.D. Spreads as Hashish in Arabia• 1200 A.D. makes it to Africa• 1270-1290 A.D. Makes it to Europe thanks to Marco Polo! • 1856 British tax ganja and charas trade in India • 1928 Recreational use of Cannabis is banned in Britain. • 1937 Cannabis made federally illegal in the U.S. with the

passage of the Marihuana Tax Act.

*Hemp = Old word for Marijuana

LSD, Heroin

• First synthesized by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann.

• LSD was introduced into the United States in 1948. Sandoz Laboratories marketed LSD as a psychiatric cure-all and hailed it as a remedy for everything from schizophrenia to criminal behavior, sexual perversions, and alcoholism.

Drugs in the USA – ’60s• Although drugs of all kinds have been in our

society for centuries – alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, prescription drugs, etc. Drug use became rampant and “out-of-the-closet” in the 1960s.

• Many hallucinogens (LSD), barbiturates and amphetamines manufactured in laboratories found their way into society.

• Marijuana became most widespread and was the drug of the generation (Hippie)

Drugs in the USA – ’70s

• The Bayer Company started the production of heroin in 1898 on a commercial scale to alleviate the symptoms of respiratory conditions – heroin is made by chemically altering Morphine

• In the 1970s Heroin addiction became a national problem in the US.

Drugs in the USA – ’80s

• Cocaine (the Rich) and Crack (the poor) use was huge in the 1980s.

• Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say NO!” just didn’t work.

Drug-Dependence • Dependence is determined by the

following chemical and physiological factors:– The type of drug– The mode of administration– The dose (concentration)– Frequency of use– The user’s metabolic rate

Drug-Dependence, cont’d.

• Drug dependence is also determined by the following social and psychological factors:– The person’s mental state/personality/character– His/her expectations of the drug experience– How society treats him/her and the drug use– How he/she responds to society– Where, when and how the drug is used

Drugs that cause physical dependence

• Barbiturates (depressants)• benzodiazepines (sedatives/depressants)• Ethyl alcohol (alcoholic beverage) (depressant)• GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid) (intoxicant)• Methaqualone (Quaalude®) (depressant)• Nicotine (Stimulant)• Opioids (pain relief)• Amphetamines (stimulants) • Heroin (Narcotic)• Morphine (Narcotic)• Methadone (Narcotic)• Codeine (Narcotic)

Drugs that are not known to cause physical dependence

• Marijuana (Hallucinogen)• LSD (Hallucinogen or psychedelic drug)• Phencyclidine or PCP (Hallucinogen)• Cocaine (Stimulant)• Caffeine (Stimulant)• Amphetamines (Stimulants) – no medical evidence

These drugs can cause severe anxiety and unhappiness when discontinued, but there is no medical evidence that proves that they cause actual physiological withdrawal. So they may cause psychological dependence rather than physiological dependence.

Consequence of Abstinence after Dependence

Withdrawal sickness or Abstinence syndrome

– Body chills (tremors), sweating– Vomiting– Stomach cramps– Convulsions and seizures – Insomnia– Pain– Hallucinations

These symptoms occur if the drug is not taken/administered within a certain period of time. In the case of heroin, it can be 6 to 8 hours.

Withdrawal can be fatal• Alcohol,

benzodiazepines, and barbiturates are the only dependency-causing drugs that can cause fatal withdrawal sickness

• Most other drugs such as opioids, can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, but they are rarely life-threatening.

DRUG vs. NARCOTIC

• Since the word “Drug” is too broad and covers the good, the bad and the ugly, the word NARCOTIC is preferred in forensics.

• The word is Greek in origin – from “Narcosis” (also “Narkoticos”) for deaden or benumb and loss of feeling or paralysis, sluggishness or lethargy.

Narcotics are Analgesics

• They relieve pain by depressing the CNS• Their regular use causes physiological and

psychological dependence• The source of most narcotics is unripe

poppy pods – opium, morphine and heroin are all derivatives

Wrongly accused!

• So by definition, marijuana, LSD, cocaine and other “drugs” are NOT narcotics! They are controlled substances, but not narcotics.

• Many law enforcement officials in the United States inaccurately use the word "narcotic" to refer to any illegal drug or any unlawfully possessed drug.

Opium and its derivatives

• The unripe (green) poppy pod - Papaver somniferium oozes a sticky, milky juice when cut with a blade this is liquid opium

• The droplets turn brown once they make contact with air

• Raw opium will contain from 4 to 21% morphine as well as codeine and related alkaloids.

Opium• Cultivation of opium

poppies for food, anesthesia, and ritual purposes dates back to at least the Neolithic Age.

• Recreational use of the drug began in China (!!) in the fifteenth century

• Opium is primarily smoked

Opium Dens

Morphine• Morphine is a derivative of opium • The word "morphine" is derived

from Morpheus, the god of dreams in Greek mythology. He is the son of Hypnos, god of sleep.

• Primarily injected for pain management (some oral)

• Highly addictive – more so than opium

• Withdrawal – severe• Causes tolerance – dose increase

required

Heroin• Although it is very easy to

derive morphine from opium/poppy juice, it is heroin that is popular with narcotics abusers.

• Heroin is made by combining morphine with acetic anhydride or acetyl chloride.

• It is highly soluble in water, so it is easy to prepare for intravenous use (injection is the fastest way to a high)

Heroin Use• The drug user usually dissolves a small

quantity in water in a spoon, heats the spoon over a match or candle to speed up the dissolution and draws the solution into a syringe for injection.

Heroin paraphernalia

Pure or Adulterated?

• Heroin purity today is about 35% • The rest of the 65% can be fillers such as

quinine, starch, lactose, procaine (Novocain), etc.

• Most users don’t know or care what the 65% is comprised of.

Codeine

• Is also present in opium, but can only be synthesized from morphine

• It is only 1/6th as potent as morphine, so it is not popular among drug abusers

• Codeine is a common cough-suppressant in prescription cough syrups (Robitussin-AC®)

Robo-Tripping is getting a fix on Robitussin

Some synthetic drugs are not opium derivative, but have very similar

physiological effects – so they are called Opiates

Oxycodone (Synthetic opiate)• A close relative of codeine• Synthesized from Thebaine a.k.a

paramorphine• Tolerance and Habit-forming,

withdrawal similar to morphine• Found in prescription pain killers

such as Percodan® and Percocet® (which also contain aspirin and acetaminophen respectively to enhance the effects of the oxycodone)

• and OxyContin®

Methadone (Synthetic Opiate)

• Methadone is used to prevent addicts from getting high on morphine and heroin – but unfortunately, people seem to get addicted to the methadone itself

• Tolerance and dependence• Administered orally• Deaths from methadone overdose are on

the rise

Non-Narcotics

Hallucinogens (Psychedelic Drugs)

• Any class of drugs that can alter perception, mood and normal thought processes. Here are the common hallucinogens:

– Marijuana– LSD– Mescaline– Phencyclidine (PCP)– Psilocybin– MDMA (ecstasy) Methylenedioxymethamphetamine

Marijuana• Most widely used illegal drug

in the US

• According to recent surveys, 43 million Americans have tried it and 50% of those are regular users

• Marijuana is prepared from a plant called Cannabis sativa

• Marijuana is the crushed leaves of the Cannabis plant mixed in with the crushed flowers, stem, and seeds. The proportions may vary, depending on the dealer/preparer.

Weeds• Marijuana is actually a weed that grows wild

in almost any climate• Can be between 5 to 15 feet tall• Each leaf has between 5 to 9 segments and

the segments have serrated edges• Contains THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol, a

hallucinogen (Resin has the most, then flowers, then leaves. Stem, roots and seeds have very little THC)

How much THC?

• Resin (Liquid hashish) – 8 – 22% THC• Sinsemilla (Flowers) – 6-12% THC• Leaves and other vegetation – 3 - 4.5% THC

Hashish• The Cannabis sativa plant secretes

a sticky resin that is known as hashish.

• The plant must be soaked in a solvent like alcohol in order to extrude the resin from it.

• Hashish is sold as a compressed/packed plant brick or nugget or as liquid hashish (Hash Oil)

• Liquid hashish is most potent• One drop on a cigarette tip or joint is

enough to cause a “high”.

Sinsemilla

• Most potent form of Marijuana

• It is made from the unfertilized flowers of the female marijuana plants – all male plants must be removed from the area to prevent pollination.

More History

• 2737 BC – Chinese Emperor recommends marijuana use for multitude of human ailments

• 1000 BC – Marijuana becomes a major part of Hindu culture

Bhang • is a derivative of the leaf and flower of a female

Cannabis sativa plant (part Sinsemilla). It is used for making beverages (a cold drink prepared with a mixture of almonds, spices, milk and sugar.)

• It is sometimes smoked.

So what does Marijuana do? It is dose dependent

Low to moderate doses - a feeling of well-being- relaxation- Slightly altered perception of space and time- Hunger/craving for sweets- Heightened sense of touch, smell, taste

Usually these signs are not noticeable to an outside observe.

High doses

• Hallucinations• Fantasies• Distortion of shapes• Loss of personal identity

Although marijuana does not cause physical dependency, it can affect heart rate, thought processes and mental dependency.

LSD

• Lysergic Acid Diethylamide• Made from a fungus called ergot• Discovered by s Swiss scientist who

accidentally ingested some and had quite a time getting home on his bicycle!

• Hugely popular in the ’60s and becoming popular again.

LSD

•LSD is a clear liquid that gets applied to blotter paper “Stamps”, to pills, sugar cubes and ingested.

•In the streets it is called acid, blotter acid, microdot, and white lightning, and the street name for the duration of the hallucinogenic effect or high is called a "trip."

What does LSD do?• Physical effects of LSD include:

– dilated pupils– elevated body temperature– high blood pressure– Hallucinations– a disoriented sense of direction, distance, and time.

• Bad trips can result in: - panic

- paranoia- anxiety- loss of control- confusion- psychosis.

How long does it last?• The hallucinogenic effect of LSD can last

from two to twelve hours. During this time, judgment may be impaired, visual perception may seem distorted, and hallucinations may occur (the sense of reality may become highly distorted).

• One possible side effect of LSD is called a "flashback". For several years after taking the drug, the hallucinogenic effect of the drug may reappear temporarily and without warning.

PCP (Phencyclidine)• Easy to make, can be made in

labs, bathrooms, garages, using “cookbooks”

• Used in powder-form called “Angel dust”, capsules, tablets or liquid (Sprayed onto plant leaves)

• It can be smoked, sniffed, ingested

• Used in conjunction with other drugs like LSD or amphetamines

• Hallucinogen

Effects of moderated PCP doses(1-6 mg)

Initially• Feelings of strength and invulnerability• Sense of detachment

Eventually• Agitation, irritability• Confusion• Depression, feelings of isolation• Schizophrenic behavior (can happen days

after taking the drug)

Long-term use can lead to:• Severe depression• Suicidal tendencies• Violent behavior

MDMA - Ecstasy• Hallucinogen• Recreational /club drug• Increased awareness of

the senses, feelings of openness, euphoria, empathy, love, happiness, heightened self-awareness, feeling of mental clarity and an increased appreciation of music and movement.

• Powder, pills or capsules

DEPRESSANTSDEPRESSANTS

Ethyl Alcohol (Ethanol)

• Depressant• Enters bloodstream and goes to the brain

(CNS), where it affects the centers for thought processes and coordination

• In low doses it may appear to increase a person’s confidence (Uninhibited behavior)

• Higher doses cause irritability (anger), sadness (crying)

• Extremely high doses can be poisonous - fatal

Barbiturates

• Depressants; called “downers”• Affect CNS, muscle relaxant• Offer feeling of relaxation, well-being and sleep• Phenobarbital (Slower-acting), pentobarbital

(faster-acting and more abused) are examples of medically used barbiturates

• Methaqualone (Quaalude) is a commonly abused non-barbiturate that acts exactly like a barbiturate.

Tranquilizers

• Depressants• Act on the CNS• Do not cause the extent of sedation that

barbiturates do – they do not induce sleep• Help people cope with everyday pressures

– Valium (diazepam)– Librium (chlordiazepoxide)– Miltown (meprobamate)– Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) Are examples of mild, medically prescribed tranquilizers

Glue-Sniffing• Mostly depressants – varied effects• Started in the 1960s• Model airplane glue• Now people also sniff

– aerosols gas propellents like freon (CFC)– toluene (smell of paint thinners)– Gasoline– Trichloroethylene (Organic solvent, dry

cleaning solvent)– Naphtha (Used to make high octane gasoline)– methyl ethyl ketone (Organic solvent) etc.

STIMULANTS STIMULANTS

Amphetamines• Synthetic stimulant drugs• Also called “uppers” “speed”• Injected intravenously during a “speed binge”• Give initial “rush” or “flash”, or euphoria, clarity of mind• After the initial stimulant effect wears off, depression ,

restlessness and lack of confidence may follow• Methamphetamine is a derivative• Crystal meth (a.k.a “ice”, “glass”, “Tina”) is a smokable

version of meth made by evaporating liquid meth.• Phenmetrizine and Phendimetrizine are unrelated to

amphetamines, but produce similar effects – used in diet pills

Before and After Meth

CocaineCocaine

• Extracted from the leaves of Erythroxylon coca, indigenous to the Andes of South America and the tropics of Asia

• The medical world was made aware of its stimulant “magic” by Sigmund Freud

• White powder• Snorted; absorbed through mucous membranes of

nose

What does cocaine do?

• Stimulates CNS, causes a “rush” or euphoria

• Followed by lack of appetite, boredom, fatigue

Crack-Cocaine• A less expensive

alternative to high grade cocaine

• Made by mixing cocaine with baking soda and water, then heating and drying.

• The dried material is broken into chunks and sold as “crack rocks”

•Smoked in glass pipes and produces effects similar to cocaine, but MUCH faster! Can be injected also.

•Much more habit forming than cocaine – very few abusers recover from this habit.

Crack-Cocaine

CLUB DRUGSCLUB DRUGS

CLUB DRUGS• Several drugs – classify as club drugs• Usually synthetic• Used in night clubs and social gatherings• May include

– MDMA (Ecstasy) Methylenedioxymethamphetamine(Hallucinogen)

– GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate) (intoxicant/depressant) – date-rape

– Rohypnol (Roofies) – date-rape drug (depressant)– Methamphetamine (stimulant)– Ketamine (Hallucinogen) – used by veterinarians for animal

anesthesia

ANABOLIC STEROIDSANABOLIC STEROIDS

Anabolic Steroids• Synthetic substances that mimic

testosterone• Normal testosterone plays 2 roles:

– Androgen effects – makes secondary male characteristics appear at puberty

– Anabolic effects – promotes muscle growth• Many companies try to develop steroids

that promote the anabolic effects but not the androgenic effects such as voice change and hair growth

The bad and the ugly• Steroids can cause harmful changes in

cholesterol levels (increased Low density lipoprotein and decreased High density lipoprotein), acne, high blood pressure, liver damage, and dangerous changes in the structure of the left ventricle of the heart

• In males: reduced sexual function, testicular atrophy (they return to normal size when drug is stopped), deeper voice, baldness, breasts

• In females: excess hair, enlarged clitoris, decreased menstruation, deeper voice

• In fetuses: developmental problems

Steroids

• Examples of anabolic steroids include ethyloestrenol; fluocysmesterone; methandienone; methenolone; methyltestosterone; nandrolone; oxandrolone; oxymetholone and stanolone.

DEFINITION

Abolic Veterinary steroids

Anadrol Oral steroids

Anatrofin Injectable steroids

Anavar Oral steroids

Arnolds Steroids

Bolasterone Injectable steroids

Deca-Duabolin Injectable steroids

Delatestryl Injectable steroids

Dep-testosterone Injectable steroids

Dianabol Veterinary steroids; veterinary and oral

Dihydrolone Injectable steroids

Durabolin Injectable steroids

Dymethzine Injectable steroids

Enoltestovis Injectable steroids

Equipose Veterinary steroids

Finajet/finaject Veterinary steroids

Georgia home boy Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)

GHB Gamma hydroxybutyrate

Gym candy Steroids

More SteroidsJuice PCP; steroids

Maxibolin Oral steroids

Methatriol Injectable steroids

Methyltestosterone

Oral steroids

Parabolin Oral steroids; veterinary steroid

Primbolin Injectable and oral steroids

Primobolan Injectable and oral steroid

Proviron Oral steroids

Pumpers Steroids

Quinolone Injectable steriods

Roid rage Aggressive behavior caused by excessive steroid use

Stackers Steroids

Stacking Taking steroids without a prescription; use of three or more methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) tablets in combination

Sustanon 250 Injectable steroids

Therobolin Injectable steroids

Trophobolene Injectable steroid

Weight trainers Steroids

Winstrol Oral steroids

Winstrol V Veterinary steroids

STUDY ON YOUR OWN

• Drug-Control Laws• Controlled Substances Act• Collection and Preservation of Drug

Evidence

DRUG IDENTIFICATION

• Color Tests• Microcrystalline tests• Chromatography – TLC and GC• Spectrophotometry• Mass spectrometry

Color Tests

• Marquis Test – Amphetamines, Meth• Dillie-Koppanyi - barbiturates• Duquenois-Levine - Marijuana• Van Urk Test - LSD• Scott Test - Cocaine

Drug Demographics

http://wwwdasis.samhsa.gov/teds00/TEDS_2K_Chp3.htm#All%20Admissions

THE ENDTHE END