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NOTES – FORENSIC SCIENCE
DRUGS
CHAPTER 9
I.
II.
III.
Drug Dependence
a. Psychological dependence
i. The conditioned use of a drug caused by underlying emotional needs
b. Physical dependence
i. Physiological need for a drug that has been brought about by its regular use
ii. Characterized by withdrawal sickness when administration of drug is abruptly
stopped
Narcotic Drugs
a. Narcotic = analgesic or pain-killing substance that depresses vital body functions
i. From Greek word “narkotikos” which implies a state of lethargy or sluggishness
ii. Relieve pain or induce sleep
iii. Repeated use will produce physical dependence
iv. Are analgesics so relieve pain by exerting a depressing action on central nervous
system
v. Examples. Morphine, codeine, heroin
vi. Methadone = synthetic opiate which reduces desire for heroin with minimal
side effects
Depressants
a. Depress the Central Nervous System
i. Depressant = a substance used to depress the functions of the central nervous
system. They calm irritability and may induce sleep.
b. Alcohol (Ethyl alcohol)
i. Reactions vary with user, but range from inhibited mental processes, slowed
reaction times, personality changes, death, etc.
ii. Most widely used and abused drug
c. Barbituates
i. Downers
ii. They relax, create a feeling of well-being and produce sleep
iii. Can produce physical and psychological dependence
iv. Ex. Quaaludes – a sedative and muscle relaxer
v. Often used in medicine and usually taken as a pill
d. Tranquilizers
IV.
V.
i. Differ from barbiturates in their action on central nervous system
ii. They produce tranquility without impairment of high-thinking faculties or
inducement of sleep
iii. Can cause physical and psychological dependence
iv. Ex. Valium
e. Glue-sniffing
i. Sniffing volatile solvents
ii. Are central nervous system depressants
iii. Feeling of exhilaration and euphoria combined with impairment of function
iv. Is very dangerous but not known if actually physically addictive
Stimulants
a. Stimulate central nervous system
b. Substance taken to increase alertness or activity
c. Different forms
i. Methamphetamine and Crystal Meth
1. Very prevalent today
2. Causes remarkable physical damage
3. Can be manufactured easily
ii. Diet drugs
1. Commonly used
2. Many are legally obtained
3. Ex. Phen-fen; dexatrim etc.
4. Some have permanent adverse effects on the body, especially the heart
d. Many are physically and psychologically addictive
e. Depression may set in after stimulant wears off
f. Cocaine
i. Extracted from leaves of cocoa plant
ii. Was once used as anesthetic
iii. Widely used, physically and psychologically addictive
iv. Generates confidence, increased alertness
v. Sigmund Freud experimented with
vi. Crack = cocaine mixed with baking soda and water, then heated, dried, and
broken into chunks and smoked
Hallucinogens
a. Drugs that cause marked alterations in normal thought processes, perceptions and
moods
b. Marijuana
i. From Cannibis plant
1. Secretes a sticky resin = hashish
2. Has been used legally and illegally for 3000 years
3. Grows wild – 5-15 feet tall
VI.
VII.
VIII.
4. Chemical = THC or tetrahydrocannibinol. Amount varies among plants
and within one plant
a. Potency depends on its form
b. Highest to lowest = resin, flowers, leaves, stems, roots, and
seeds
5. May have medicinal uses such as glaucoma, lessen nausea caused by
anti-cancer drugs
c. Other Hallucinogens
i. LSD – Lysergic acid diethylamide
1. synthesized from lysergic acid derived from ergot which is a type of
fungus that attaches to certain grasses and grains
2. Described by chemist Hoffman in 1943 after he accidentally ingested
some
3. Question of whether has impact on chromosomes of offspring
ii. MDMA – Ecstasy
1. Originally patented as an appetite suppressant
2. Some severe adverse reactions
iii. PCP – Phencyclidine
1. Synthesized
2. Often mixed with other drugs
3. Sold as Angel Dust
4. Variety of responses, many violent and aggressive
iv. Psilocybin = mushrooms
Anabolic Steroids
a. Synthetic compounds that promote muscle growth
b. Are chemically related to male hormone, testosterone
c. Harmful physical side effects and may affect mood and/or behavior
Drug Control Laws
a. Controlled Substance Act
i. 5 Schedules of classification based on drugs potential for abuse, potential for
physical and psychological dependence, and medical value
ii. Penalties for possession, use, sale, etc, are related to classification schedule
Drug Identification
a. Difficulty lies in selecting the correct analytical procedures to allow for identification
b. First, employ screening tests which are non-specific and preliminary in nature
c. Once the number of possibilities has been substantially reduced, the second phase of
the analysis must be devoted to pin-pointing and confirming drug’s identity
d. Confirmation = a single test that specifically identifies a substance
e. Tests
i. Color tests
1. Marquis = opium derivatives; purple
2. Dillie-Koppanyi – barbiturates; violet blue
IX.
3. Duquenois-Levine – marijuana; purple
4. Van Urk – LSD; blue-purple
5. Scott Test – cocaine; blue-pink to blue
ii. Microcrystalline Tests
1. Used to identify specific substances by the color and morphology of the
crystals formed when the substance is mixed with reagents
iii. Chromatography
1. Requires comparison between questioned and known drugs.
2. Analyst must have some idea as to the identity of illicit material before
using the test.
iv. Spectrophotometry
1. Selective absorption of light by drugs in the Ultraviolet (UV) and Infrared
(IR) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum
2. Can specifically identify a substance
v. Mass Spectrophotometry
1. Combines gas chromatography and mass spectrophotometer
2. Allows examiner to separate components of complex drug mixture and
unequivocally identify each substance present in the mixture
vi. Identification of Marijuana
1. Possesses botanical features
2. Cystolithic hairs on leaves
3. Color test
4. Thin layer chromatography
Collection and Preservation of Drug Evidence
a. Evidence should be properly packaged, and labeled
b. Prevent loss of evidence and cross-contamination
c. Supply background information