Drug Chemistry

Depressants, used in small amounts, produce a sedative or calming effect.

Excessive use of this class of drugs induces symptoms such as slurred speech, staggered gait, and altered perceptions.

Medically, these drugs are usually prescribed to aid sleep and relaxation, and to relieve stress and irritability.

Tolerance can develop quickly, with additional medication required to achieve the effects experienced after initial use.

Depressants commonly seen by the laboratory include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam, and clonazepam. Barbiturates such as amobarbital and pentobarbital are seen occasionally.

Hallucinogenic drugs distort the user's perception of objective reality. Taken in high quantities, delusions and hallucinations are characteristic of this class of drugs.

Users commonly experience unpleasant psychological reactions, including panic, anxiety, loss of control, and disorienting flashbacks.

Hallucinogens commonly seen by the laboratory include lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin mushrooms, phencyclidine (PCP), and mescaline (peyote cactus).

Marihuana makes up a substantial portion of the drug evidence the crime laboratory receives. The botanical name for marihuana is Cannabis, and the portions of the plant typically submitted are the leaves and the flowering tops.

Historically, the plant was used as a source of fiber (hemp), its seeds were a food source, and it had some rudimentary medicinal uses.

The plant material is typically smoked, using either a pipe or a hand-rolled cigarette. Manifestations of use include euphoria, an altered sense of time, lack of motivation, and difficulty concentrating and forming concepts. Psychological dependence is commonly associated with its use.

Narcotics are a class of drugs that produce insensibility or stupor through their depressant effect on the central nervous system.

Medically, narcotic refers to the poppy, opium and its derivatives (morphine, codeine, heroin), or to synthetic substitutes such as meperidine and methadone.

As a class, narcotics produce euphoria while relieving fear, tension, and anxiety. Other effects include slowed and slurred speech, slow gait, constricted pupils, droopy eyelids, impaired night vision, vomiting, and constipation.

Narcotics commonly seen by the laboratory include morphine, codeine, heroin, hydrocodone, and oxycodone (OxyContin).

Anabolic steroids are a class of drugs closely related to the male sex hormone testosterone.

Their limited medical use includes treatment of certain types of anemia, growth deficiencies, and severe burns.

Steroid use alongside a workout regimen is typically aimed at increasing weight and muscle mass, though the effects diminish quickly once use is discontinued.

Physiological side effects are extensive, and are often accompanied by depression and the onset of aggressive behavior.

Stimulants are a class of drugs that directly affect the central nervous system.

As a class, stimulants produce heightened alertness, excitation, pupil dilation, increased blood pressure, increased respiration, and a marked decrease in appetite.

Stimulant abuse can lead to stroke and heart attack. Most stimulants are controlled substances available by prescription for medical purposes. Uncontrolled stimulants include caffeine and nicotine.

Other well-known stimulants commonly seen by the laboratory include cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, methylphenidate (Ritalin), and ephedrine or pseudoephedrine.