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Subject FORENSIC SCIENCE

Paper No and Title PAPER: 9, Drugs of Abuse

Module No and Title MODULE: M2, Drug abuse

Module Tag FSC_P9_M2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Learning Outcomes

2. Introduction: Drug Abuse

3. Classification of Drugs of Abuse

4. Stimulants

5. Depressants

6. Hallucinogens

7. Narcotics

8. Cannabis

9. Volatile Solvents

10. Other Drugs of Abuse

11. Summary

FORENSIC SCIENCE PAPER No.2: Drugs of Abuse

MODULE No.2 : Drug Abuse
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1. Learning Outcomes

After studying this module, you shall be able to know

· What does the term ‘Drugs Abuse’ actually mean?

· How we can classify different drugs of abuse?
· About the different classes of abused drugs

2. Introduction : Drug Abuse

Drug is a patterned use of a substance in which the user ingest the substance in quantity
or with means neither approved nor supervised by health care specialist is known as Drug
Abuse or Substance Abuse. Abuse of Drug is not restricted to mood-transforming or
psycho-active drugs. When an activity is performed as in the case of anabolic steroids for
performance enhancement in sports and muscle gain against the rules and policies of the
matter then it is known as substance abuse. That’s why psychoactive and mood-altering
substances are not the only kind of drugs abused. Abusing the illicit drugs like stimulants,
depressants, narcotics hallucinogens, cannabis, even thinner, paints and glues are also
considered as drug abuse types. Problems with impulse control and impulsive behavior
are also come under the category of Drug Abuse
The drugs
like alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines (particularly alprazolam,
lorazepam and clonazepam),cocaine, methaquolone and opioids are associated with the
term Drug Abuse. Using and abusing these drugs may lead to criminal penalty adding to
physical, social and psychological harm, each fully depending on local jurisdiction.
Many cases are there where criminal or antisocial behavior are seen when the person is
under the dominance of a drug. Even personality changes in individuals may occur as
well for long time.

FORENSIC SCIENCE PAPER No.2: Drugs of Abuse

MODULE No.2 : Drug Abuse
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3. Classification of Drugs of Abuse

Based on their origin, drugs of abuse can be classified into following three
categories:
1) Natural. These are the drugs which are derived from plants and require little or
no processing at all.
Example: Cannabis, opium, coca paste fall under this category.
2) Semi-synthetic. These drugs are produced by subjecting natural drugs to some
chemical processes.
Example: Heroin and cocaine are chief examples of semi-synthetic drugs.
3) Synthetic. These drugs are made absolutely through chemical processes.
Example: Methaquolone (mandrax), amphetamine type stimulants, diazepam, etc.
Most of the dangerous drugs of abuse fall either under semi-synthetic or synthetic
category of the abused drugs classification.
Based on the effects they produce, drugs of abuse can be classified into following
sub-categories:

v Stimulants
v Depressants
v Hallucinogens
v Narcotics
v Cannabis
v Volatile Solvents
v Other drugs of abuse

FORENSIC SCIENCE PAPER No.2: Drugs of Abuse

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4. Stimulants

Examples: Amphetamines, methamphetamines, caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, etc.

Amphetamine or its derivative methamphetamine may be injected direct into the blood
stream through intravenous injection. The desire for a more intense experience is the
chief motive behind this route of administration. The initial response of a “flash” or
“rush” is followed by high feeling of joy, euphoria and wellbeing that produces
hyperactivity, with a feeling of vision clarity as well as hallucinations. After the effect
wears off, the individual passes through a period of exhaustion and may sleep
continuously for one to two days.

The other type amphetamine is methamphetamine called “speed” because of its fast
stimulation on central nervous system.

Cocaine is also a powerful stimulant that produces similar effects as that of

amphetamines- namely, increased alertness, accompanied by suppression of hunger and
fatigue. Generally it is sniffed and absorbed into the body by the mucous membrane of
the nose.

One other form of cocaine which is quite popular is “crack”. It is manufactured by

heating the mixture of cocaine, baking soda and water. It is also snorted and produces
similar effects like cocaine.

FORENSIC SCIENCE PAPER No.2: Drugs of Abuse

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4.1 Symptoms

4.1.1 Acute Intoxication

v Euphoria

v Increased motor and speech activity

v Increased wakefulness

v Suppression of appetite

4.1.2 Chronic Intoxication

v Sleep problem

v Loss of appetite

v Mood swings

v `Amphetamine psychosis’

v Rapid and irregular heart beat

4.1.3 Withdrawal Symptoms

v No massive physiological failure

v Disturbed sleep

v Moderate to severe depression

v Extreme fatigue

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Morphine is obtained from raw opium. It is usually administered by injection by

hypodermic needle. It results in a euphoric state, with sleepy and relaxed appearance of
the user. It is usually 3 to 5 times stronger than opium.

Heroin (diacetylmorphine) is a white crystalline powder which is a derivative by addition

of two acetyl groups to the morphine, found in the opium. Heroin in impure form is
known as Brown Sugar. It is 10-15 times more potent than morphine. It may be either
injected or sniffed to cause similar effects as that of opium and heroin but with higher
magnitude.

Codeine is also a derivative of morphine but is less effective as analgesic. It acts as a

base in many pain relievers and cough remedies.

7.1 Symptoms

7.1.1 Acute Intoxication

v Euphoria

v Drowsiness and apathy

v Impaired reasoning

v Overdose of heroin can cause convulsions, coma and death

7.1.3 Withdrawal Symptoms

v Feeling of unwell being

v Persistent body pain

v Insomnia

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8. Cannabis

8.1 Symptoms

8.1.1 Acute Intoxication

v Mild euphoria

v Altered senses

v Impaired memory

v Poor motor skills

8.1.2 Chronic Intoxication

v Poor cognitive skills

v Respiratory problems

v Impotency

v Psychosis

8.1.3 Withdrawal Symptoms

v Sleep disturbances

v Irritability

v Tremors

v Depression

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9. Volatile Solvents

Drugs under this category are Petroleum derivatives and volatile hydrocarbons.

9.1 Symptoms

9.1.1 Acute Intoxication

v Euphoria

v Staggered gait

v Slurred speech

v Clouded thinking

v Hallucinations

v Sudden death

9.1.2 Chronic Intoxication

v Permanent brain impairment

v Liver, kidney and heart damage

v Psychosis

10. Other Drugs of Abuse

This category includes those drugs which are used medically but does not come into any
of the above classification:

v Muscle relaxants

v Anti-emetics

v Analgesics

v Anti-histamines

v Anti-depressants

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10.1 Symptoms

Symptoms vary with the type of drug and its dosage.

12. Summary

· Drug is a patterned use of a substance in which the user ingest the substance in
quantity or with means neither approved nor supervised by medical professionals
is known as Drug Abuse or Substance Abuse.
· Based on their origin, drugs of abuse can be classified as natural, semi-synthetic
and synthetic.
· Stimulants are psychoactive drugs which induces temporary improvements in
mental or physical functions or both. Due to their rendering a characteristic "up"
feeling, stimulants are also often introduced to as "uppers".
· Depressants also known as "downers"; include sedatives, narcotics and hypnotics.
It involves all of the calmative, sleep-inducing, anxiety-reducing, anesthetizing
substances which many a time induces perceptual changes, such as dream images,
and also often bring feelings of well-being.
· Hallucinogens are those substances that produce distinct alterations in normal
thought processes, perceptions and mood.
· Narcotics are the substances that act on the central nervous system and bring
relief from pain and produces sleep.
· A group of chemicals called cannabinoids produced by Cannabis plants which
produces mental and physical development when consumed.
· Other drugs that are used as abused drugs are muscle relaxants, analgesics, anti-
depressants, etc.

FORENSIC SCIENCE PAPER No.2: Drugs of Abuse

MODULE No.2 : Drug Abuse