8 - Forensic Aspects of Drug Abuse 1 Flashcards
What is the difference between cocaine and crack?
- Crack = free base form of cocaine
- Crack burns at lower temp
Methods of cocaine ingestion
- Smoking (most common b/c gives the best & fastest high)
- IV
- Snorting
Desired effects from cocaine
- Intense euphoria
- Decreased anxiety
- Increased alertness
Other effects of cocaine
- Increased BP and temp
- Dilated pupils
- Sensitivity to light
- Rapid speech
- N/V
Can tolerance develop from cocaine?
Yes
Can physiological and psychological dependence from cocaine?
Yes
Describe the phases of cocaine withdrawal
- Crash phase -> agitation, depression and irritability, intense cravings for cocaine, fatigue (lasts up to 4 days)
- Withdrawal phase -> increased anxiety, lack of energy, angry outbursts (lasts up to 10 weeks)
- Extinction phase -> episodic cravings for cocaine
Symptoms of cocaine induced delirium
- Dissociative state
- Violence
- Exaggerated strength
- Cardio-respiratory arrest
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Sudden death
What are the challenges with cocaine interpretation?
- Enzymes in blood cause loss of cocaine
- Cocaine + ethanol = cocaethylene (when people go through cocaine withdrawal, they use a depressant to counteract it; don’t necessarily ingest together but are found in the body together)
What is a key precursor for meth production?
Pseudoephedrine or ephedrine
Methods of ingestion of meth
- Smoking (most common)
- Snort
- Inject
- Swallow
Desired effects of meth
- Euphoria
- Increased alertness/ energy
Duration of cocaine vs. meth
- Cocaine = 20 minutes
- Meth = 4-12 hours
Other effects of meth
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Mental confusion
- Irritability
- Aggression
- Hyperthermia
Can tolerance to meth develop?
Yes
Can physiological and psychological dependence with meth develop?
Yes
What are the interpretation challenges with meth?
- 2 isomers possible
- “d” isomer = more pharmacologically active, more addictive and toxic
- “l” isomer not addictive
What are other names for MDMA?
Ecstasy, molly
What properties does MDMA possess?
Hallucinogenic w/ stimulant properties
How can MDMA be ingested?
- Oral
- Snorting
- Smoking
- Injection
Desired effects of MDMA
- Euphoria
- Increased sense of well-being
- Intensification of feelings
- Overwhelming desire to communicate
- Profound empathy
Onset of MDMA
30-45 minutes if swallowed
Other effects of MDMA
- Feelings of panic
- Depression
- Mental confusion
- Anxiety
Can tolerance to MDMA develop?
Yes
