DRE Glossary of Terms Flashcards
Accommodation Reflex
The adjustment of the eyes for viewing at various distances.
Meaning the pupils will automatically constrict as objects move closer and dilate as objects move further away
(Constrict=move closer)
(Dilate=move away)
Addiction
Habitual, psychological, and physiological DEPENDENCE on a substance beyond one’s voluntary control.
Additive Effect
One mechanism of polydrug interaction.
For particular indicator of impairment, two drugs produce an additive effect if both affect the indicator in the same way.
Ex: Cocaine elevates pulse rate & PCP does as well. The combo of Cocaine/PCP produces the additive effect on PULSE RATE.
Afferent “Sensory” Nerves
Nerves that carry messages to the brain, from various parts of the body, including notably the sense organs (eyes, ears, etc.).
Sensory nerves are also known as afferent nerves.
Alkaloid
A chemical that is found in, and can be physically extracted from, some substance.
Ex: Morphine is a natural alkaloid of Opium. Meaning it does not require a chemical reaction to produce Morphine from Opium.
Analog (of a drug)
A chemical that is very similar to the drug, both both in terms of:
- Molecular Structure
- Psychoactive effects
Ex: Ketamine is an analog of PCP.
Anesthetic
A drug that produces a general or local INSENSIBILITY to pain and other sensations.
Antagonistic Effect
One mechanism of polydrug interaction.
For particular indicator of impairment, two drugs produce an antagonistic effect if they affect the indicator in the opposite way.
Ex: Heroin constricts the pupils, while Cocaine Dilates the pupils. The combo produces an antagonistic effect on PUPIL SIZE.
Note: depending on dose and timing, the suspects pupils could be constricted, dilated or within DRE Avg Range.
Arrhythmia (Cardiac)
An abnormal heart rate.
Artery
The strong, elastic blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.
Autonomic Nerve
A motor nerve that carries messages to the muscles and organs that we do NOT CONSCIOUSLY CONTROL.
Two kinds of autonomic nerves:
- The Sympathetic nerves
- Parasympathetic nerves
Axon
The part of a neuron (nerve cell) that sends out a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger).
Neuron has 3 parts:
The Cell Body
The Axon
The Dendrite
“Bad Trip”
A hallucination where the user becomes:
- panic stricken by what they are seeing or hearing.
- user may become uncontrollably excited
- user may even try to flee from the terror.
Note: Overdose Sign for a Hallucinogen is an Intense “Bad Trip”.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
The % of alcohol in a person’s blood.
Blood Alcohol Contration (BrAC)
The % of alcohol in a person’s blood as measured by a breath testing device.
Bipolar Disorder
A condition characterized by the alteration of MANIC and DEPRESSIVE states.
Blood Pressure (BP)
The force exerted by blood on the walls of the arteries.
Blood pressure changes continuously, as the ❤️ cycles between contraction (systolic) and expansion (diastolic).
Note DRE Avg. Ranges:
Systolic BP: 120-140 mmHg
Diastolic BP: 70-90 mmHg
Bradycardia
Abnormally SLOW ❤️ rate
Bradypnea
Abnormally SLOW rate of BREATHING.
Note: One overdose sign for a Narcotic Analgesic is Slow, shallow breathing.
Bruxism
Grinding of Teeth.
Note: Often associated with CNS Stimulants as a general indicator, especially Cocaine.
“Eating of one’s face”
Cannabis
Drug Category. Matrix Slot 7
Includes Marijuana, Hashish, and synthetics like K2, spice.
Active ingredient: a chemical called:
Delta-9 tetra/hydro/cannabinol (THC)
Metabolite: Carboxy THC
Keys: HGN: None VGN: None LOC: Present PS: Dilated (6)-Pupil size possibly normal. R2L: Normal PR: Up BP: Up BT: Normal MT: Normal
Carboxy THC
A metabolite of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
Central Nervous System (CNS)
A system within the body consisting of:
- the brain
- the brain stem
- the spinal cord.
Cheyne-Stokes Respiration
Abnormal pattern of breathing.
Marked by breathless and deep, fast breathing.
CNS Depressants
Drug category: matrix slot 1.
Includes the following drugs: 1. Alcohol (ETOH) 2. Barbiturates 3. Anti-Anxiety Tranquilizers As well as numerous others.
Keys: HGN: Present VGN: Present H/D LOC: Present PS-Normal (1)-Soma, Quaal., & some AD usually dilate pupils. R2L: Slow PR: Down (2)-Quaaludes, ETOH, & some AD may elevate. BP: Down BT: Normal MT: Flaccid
CNS Stimulants
Drug category: matrix slot 2.
Includes the following drugs: 1. Cocaine 2. The Amphetamines 3. Ritalin 4. Desoxyn As well as numerous others.
Keys: HGN: None VGN: None LOC: None PS: Dilated R2L: Slow PR: Up BP: Up BT: Up MT: Rigid
Conjunctivitis
An inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids caused by infection, allergy, or outside factors.
Subjects may show symptoms in one eye, often called “Pink Eye”, often mistaken for bloodshot eyes produced by alcohol or cannabis.
Convergence
The “crossing” of the eyes that occurs when a person is able to focus on a stimulus as it is pushed slowly toward the bridge of the nose.
See Lack of Convergence.
Crack/Rock
Cocaine base, appears as a hard chunk form. Can be small pebbles or rocks.
Produces: a very intense, but relatively short duration “high”.
CNS Stimulant
Note: Duration of Effects for Cocaine: 5-90 Min
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A written summary of a person’s education, training, experience, note worthy achievements, and other relevant information about a particular topic.
Cyclic Behavior
A manifestation of impairment due to certain drugs, in which the user alternates between periods (cycles) of intense agitation and relative calm.
Ex: Cyclic behavior is a GI for a Dissociative Anesthetic, especially PCP.
Delirium
A brief state characterized by incoherent excitement, confused speech, restlessness, and possible hallucinations.
Dendrite
The part of the neuron (nerve cell- “wire segment”) that receives a neurotransmitter.
Neuron has 3 parts:
The Cell Body
The Axon
The Dendrite
Diabetes
A condition that can result in insulin shock (taking too much insulin).
May produce tremors, increased blood pressure, rapid respiration, lack of coordination, headache, confusion, and seizures.
Diacetyl Morphine
The chemical name for Heroin, a narcotic analgesic.
Diastolic
The lowest value of blood pressure. BP reaches its diastolic value when the heart is fully expanded or relaxed (diastole).
Note: DRE Avg. Range: 70-90 mmHg
Diplopia
Double vision
Dissociative Anesthetics
Drug Category: matrix slot 4.
Includes drugs that inhibits pain by cutting off or disassociating the brain’s perception of pain. Types:
- PCP and it’s Analogs (Ketamine, Ketalar)
- DXM
Keys: HGN: Present VGN: Present LOC: Present PS: Normal R2L: Normal PR: Up BP: Up BT: Up MT: Rigid
Divided Attention
Concentrating on more than one thing at a time.
Driving is a divided attention task.
The four psychological tests used by DREs require the suspect to divide their attention.
Tests: Modified Romberg Balance (MRB) Walk & Turn (WAT) One Leg Stand (OLS) Modified Finger to Nose (MFN)
Downside Effect
An effect that may occur when the body reacts to the presence of a drug by producing hormones or neurotransmitters to counteract the effects of the drug consumed.
Ex: ETOH in large quantities will cause CNS Depressant related signs and symptoms, as the alcohol metabolizes the body will begin to flood the system with chemicals to stimulate the body. Causing a downside effect.
Drug
Any substance that, when taken into the human body, can impair the ability of the person to operate a vehicle safely.
Drug Recognition Expert (DRE)
Individual who successfully completes all phases of DRE training requirements for certification established by IACP and NTSHA.
Dysarthria
Slurred speech. Difficult, poorly articulated speech.
General Indicator Notes:
Thick, slurred speech - CNS Depressant
Slow, slurred speech -Dissociate Anesthetic
Slow, low, raspy speech - Narcotic Analgesic
Difficulty with Speech - Hallucinogen
Talkative -CNS Stimulant (Rapid)
Slow, thick, slurred speech - Inhalant
Dysmetria
An abnormal condition that prevents the affected person from properly estimating distances linked to muscular movements.
Dysphoria
A mood disorder. Feelings of depression and anguish.
Dyspnea
Shortness of breath
Efferent “Motor” Nerves
Nerves that carry messages away from the brain, to the body’s motor nerves: muscles, tissues, and organs.
Motor nerves are known as efferent nerves.
Endocrine System
The network of glands that do not have ducts and other structures.
They secrete hormones into the blood stream to affect a number of functions in the body.
“E” in Murder Inc.
Endorphins & Enkephalins
Body’s natural pain relievers
Expert Witness
A person skilled in some art, trade, science or profession, who may assist a jury in arriving at a verdict by expressing an opinion on a state of facts shown by the evidence and based special knowledge (opinion).
Having knowledge of matters not within the knowledge of person’s of average education.
Note: Only courts can determine whether a witness is qualified to testify as an expert.
Flashback
A vivid recollection of a portion of a hallucinogenic experience. An intense day dream brought on by a Hallucinogen.
3 Types:
- Emotional: Panic, fear
- Somatic: Altered body sensations, tremors
- Perceptual: Distortions of vision, hearing, smell.
A general indicator (GI) of Hallucinogens.
Gait Ataxia
Unsteady, staggering gait (walk) in which walking is uncoordinated and appears to be “not ordered”.
A general indicator (GI) for CNS Depressants.
Garrulity
Chatter, rambling or pointless speech. Talkative.
General indicator (GI) of CNS Stimulants.
Also a possible aspect of Cyclic Behavior (DA)
General Indicator (GI)
Behavior or observations of the subject that are observed and not specifically tested for.
Observational and Behavioral Indicators
DRUG CATEGORY GI CODES
CNS DEPRESSANTS
D4STU (8)
CNS STIMULANTS
ABDE4GI3R3T (15)
HALLUCINOGENS
BD2F-HM-NP3SU (12) *NOTE:LSD
DISSOCIATIVE ANESTHETICS
BC3D2-EHI2M-NP2S3W (18)
NARCOTIC ANALGESICS
D4EF-IN-OPS3 (13) *NOTE:TPSCHO
INHALANTS
BCD-FIL-NOP-RSW (12)
CANNABIS
ABDEI (x2)- LMOR2S (16)
Hallucination
A sensory experience of something that does not exist outside the mind.
Seeing, hearing, smelling, or feeling something that isn’t really there.
Also having distorted sensory perception so that things appear differently then they are.
GI NOTES:
Hallucinogens: hallucinations
Dissociative Anesthetics: hallucinations and sensory distortions.
CNS Stimulants overdose signs include hallucinations.
Hallucinogens
Drug category: Matrix slot 3
Includes the following drugs: 1. LSD (10-12 hrs DOE) 2. MDMA 3. Peyote 4. Psilocybin (2-3 hrs DOE) As well as numerous others.
Hallucinogens are either natural occurring or synthetically produced.
Keys: HGN: None VGN: None LOC: None PS: Dilated R2L: Normal (3)- Certain psychedelic amphetamines may cause slowing. PR: Up BP: Up BT: Up MT: Rigid
Hash Oil
Cannabis category. Sometimes referred to as marijuana oil.
A highly concentrated syrup-like oil extracted from marijuana. Produced by soaking marijuana in a container of solvent such as acetone or alcohol for several hours.
After solvent evaporates the oil produces high THC content.
Used in the smoking form as dabs or later created into “shatter” or “wax”.
Hashish
Cannabis category. A form of cannabis made from the dried and pressed resin of a marijuana plant.
Head Trauma
A blow or bump to the head that injure the brain and may cause observable signs and symptoms which may mimic drug/alcohol impairment.
Heroin
Narcotic analgesic.
Widely-abused narcotic that is derived from Morphine.
The chemical or generic name of heroin is “diacetyl Morphine”
Some GIs included:
Depressed reflexes, facial itching, “On the Nod”, puncture marks, slow, low, raspy speech, etc.
Homeostasis
“Dynamic balance, or steady state of the body. Involving the balance of the body’s fluid levels of salts, water, sugars, and other materials in the body’s fluids”.
The body is constantly working to stay at homeostasis.
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)
The involuntary jerking of the eyes occurring as the eyes gaze to the side.
Hormones
Chemicals produced by the body’s endocrine system (E).
The chemicals are carried through the blood stream to target organs.
They exert great influence on the growth and development of a person, as well as aid in numerous body processes.
Hydroxy THC
A metabolite of THC.
Hyperflexia
Exaggerated or over extended motions.
GI for CNS stimulants.
Hypernea
A deep, rapid or labored breathing.
Hyperpyrexia
Extremely high body temperature.
Often caused by PCP causing subject to perspire and remove their clothes to cool down.
Hyperreflexia
A neurological condition marked by increased reflex reactions.
Hypertension
Abnormally high blood pressure. Do not confuse this with hypotension.
Hypoglycemia
An abnormal decrease of blood sugar levels.
Hypopnea
Shallow or slow breathing.
Hypotension
Abnormally low blood pressure. Do not confuse this with hypertension.
Hypothermia
Decreased body temperature.
ICE
A crystalline form of methamphetamine that produces a very intense and fairly long-lasting “high”.
CNS Stimulant
Impairment
One of the several items used to describe the degradation of mental and/or physical abilities necessary for the safely operating a vehicle.
Inhalants
Drug Category: Matrix Slot 6.
Breathable chemicals that produce mind-altering results.
The inhalants include:
Volatile Solvents (glue, gasoline)
Aerosols (hair sprays, insecticide)
Anesthetic Gases (Nitrous Oxide)
Keys: HGN: Present VGN: Present (H/D) LOC: Present PS: Normal (4) Normal but may be dilated. R2L: Slow PR: Up BP: Up or Down (5) Up w/ Anesthetic Gases; Down w/ Volatile Solvents and Aerosols. BT: Up or Down or Normal MT: Normal or Flaccid
Insufflation
One method of ingestion certain drugs. Insufflation requires that the drug be in powdered form.
Drug rapidly drawn up the nostril usually via paper or glass tube.
“Snorting”
Integumentary System
The skin and accessory structures, hair and nails.
Functions include protection, maintenance of body temperature, excretion of waste, and sensory perceptions.
“I” in Murder Inc.
Intraocular
“Within the eyeball”
Korotkoff Sounds
A series of distinct sounds produced by blood passing through an artery, as the external pressure on the artery drops from the systolic value to the diastolic value.
Lack of Convergence (LOC)
The inability of a person’s eyes to converge, or “cross” as the person attempts to focus on a stimulus as it is pushed slowly toward the bridge of his or her nose.
Major Indicators
Physiological signs that are specifically assessed and are, for the most part, involuntary reflecting the status of the central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis (Physiological Indicators).
Marijuana
Common term for the Cannabis Sativa plant. Usually refers to the dried leaves of the plant. This is the most common form the cannabis category.
Marinol
A drug containing a synthetic form of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), Marinol belongs to the cannabis category of drugs, but Marinol is not produced from any species of cannabis plant.
Medical Impairment
An opinion made by a DRE based on the evaluation that the state of the suspected impaired driver is more likely related to a medical impairment that has affected the subject’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Metabolism
The combined chemical and physical processes that take place in the body involving the distribution of nutrients and resulting in growth, energy production, the elimination of wastes, and other body functions.
Two phases of metabolism:
- Anabolism: The constructive phase. molecules from digestion are built into complex compounds that form the tissues and organs of the body.
- Catabolism: the destructive phase. Larger molecules are broken down into simpler substances with the release of energy.
Metabolite
A chemical product, formed by the reaction of a drug with oxygen and/other substances in the body.
Ex: Hydroxy THC and Carboxy THC are metabolites of THC, the principle ingredient in products of the cannabis category.
Miosis
Abnormally small (constricted) pupils.
Motor “Efferent” Nerves
Nerves that carry messages away from the brain, to the body’s motor nerves: muscles, tissues, and organs.
Motor nerves are known as efferent nerves.
Multiple Sclerosis
A degenerative muscular disorder.
Muscular Hypertonicity
Rigid Muscle Tone.
A Major Indicator noted in the following Categories:
CNS Stimulants
Hallucinogens
Dissociative Anesthetics
Mydriasis
Abnormally large (dilated) pupils.
A Major Indicator noted at times in the following Categories:
CNS Stimulants
Hallucinogens
Cannabis
Could appear in CNS Depressants like Soma, Quaaludes and some anti-depressants. Also could appear in Inhalants.
Narcotic Analgesics
Drug Category: Matrix Slot 5.
The Narcotic Analgesics include:
- Opium
- The Natural Alkaloids of Opium: Morphine, Codeine, Thebaine (codeine methyl).
- The Derivatives of Opium: Heroin, Dilaudid, Oxycodone, Percodan.
- Synthetic Narcotics
Keys: HGN: None VGN: None LOC: None PS: Constricted R2L: Little or None Visible PR: Down BP: Down BT: Down MT: Flaccid
Nerve
A cord-like fiber that carries messages to or from the brain.
For drug evaluations and classification purposes, a nerve can be pictured as a series of “wire-like” segments, with small spaces or gaps between the segments.
Neuron
A nerve cell. The basic functional unit of nerve. It contains a nucleus within a cell body with one or more axons and dendrites.
Neuron has 3 parts:
The Cell Body
The Axon
The Dendrite
Neurotransmitter
Chemicals that pass from the axon of one nerve cell to the dendrite of the next cell, and that carry messages across the gap between the two nerve cells.
Null Effect
One mechanism of polydrug interaction.
For a particular indicator of impairment, two drugs produced a null effect if neither of them affects that indictor.
Ex: PCP does not affect pupil size and Alcohol (ETOH) does not affect pupil size. The combo of PCP and Alcohol produces a null effect on pupil size.
Nystagmus
An involuntary jerking of the eyes.
“On the Nod”
A semi-conscious state of deep relaxation. Typically induced by impairment due to Heroin or other narcotic analgesics, listed as a GI.
The user’s eyelids droop, and chin rests on the chest. They may appear to be asleep, but can be easily aroused and will respond to questions.
Overlapping Effect
One mechanism of polydrug interaction.
For a particular indicator of impairment, two drugs produce an overlapping effect if one of them affects the indicator but the other does not.
Ex: Cocaine dilates pupils while Alcohol (ETOH) does not. The combo of Cocaine and Alcohol produces an overlapping effect on pupil size: causing the pupils to dilate (Mydriasis).
Pallor
An abnormal paleness or lack of color in the skin.
Paranoia
Mental disorder characterized by delusions and the projection of the personal conflicts that are ascribed to the supposed hostility of others.
Paranoia is also listed as a general indicator in the Hallucinogens drug category.
Paraphernalia
Drug paraphernalia are the various kinds of tools and other equipment used to store, transport, or ingest a drug.
Ex: Hypodermic needles, small pipes, bent spoons, etc.
The singular form of the word is “paraphernalium”
Parasympathetic Nerve
An autonomic nerve that commands the body to relax and to carry out tranquil activities. The brain uses parasympathetic nerves to send “at ease” commands to the muscles, tissues, and organs.
Parasympathomimetic Drugs
Drugs that mimic neurotransmitters associated with the parasympathetic nerves. These drugs artificially cause the transmission of messages that produce lower blood pressure, drowsiness, etc.
Phencyclidine
A contraction of PHENYL CYCLOHEXYL PIPERIDINE or PCP, which is associated with the Dissociative Anesthetics category.
Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR)
A basic reference source for drug recognition experts. The PDR provides detailed information on the physical appearance and psychoactive effects of licitly-manufactured drugs.
Physiology
Physiology is the branch of biology that deals with the functions and activities of life or living matter and the physical and chemical phenomena involved.
Piloerection
Literally, “hair standing up”, or goose bumps. This condition of the skin is often observed in persons who r under the influence of LSD.
Stated in the Matrix under Hallucinogens GI’s: Note with LSD, piloerection may be observed (goose bumps, hair standing on end).
Polycategory Use
Ingesting drugs from two or more categories.
Polydrug Use
Ingesting two or more different drugs.
Psychedelic
A mental state characterized by a profound sense of intensified or altered sensory perception sometimes accompanied by hallucinations.
Psychophysical Tests
Methods of investigating the mental (physco-) and physical characteristics of a person suspected of alcohol or drug impairment. Most psychophysical tests employ the concept of divided attention to assess a suspect’s impairment.
Psychotogenic
Literally, “creating psychosis” or “giving birth to insanity”. A drug is considered to be psychotogenic if persons who are under the influence of the drug become insane, and remain so after the drug wears off.
Psychomimetic
Literally, “mimicking psychosis” or “impersonating insanity”. A drug is considered to be psychomimetic if persons who are under the influence of the drug look and act insane while they are under the influence.
Ptosis
Droopy eyelids.
A GI for:
CNS Depressants
Narcotic Analgesics
Pulmonary Arteries
Carry de-oxygenated blood
Pulmonary Vein
Carries oxygenated blood
Pulse
The rhythmic dilation and relaxation of an artery that results from the beating of the heart.
Pulse Rate
The number of expansions of an artery per minute.
Formula (Pulse beats in 30 seconds x 2 = BPM)
Pupillary Light Reflex
The pupils of the eyes will constrict and dilate depending on changes in lighting.
Pupillary Unrest
The continuous, irregular change in the size of the pupils that may be observed under room or steady light conditions.
Rebound Dilation
A period of pupillary constriction followed by a period of pupillary dilation where the pupil steadily increases in size and does not return to its original constricted size.
Resting Nystagmus
Jerking of the eyes as they look straight ahead.
Sclera
A dense white fibrous membrane that, with the cornea, forms the external covering of the eyeball (i.e., the white part of the eye).
Sensory “Afferent” Nerves
Nerves that carry messages to the brain, from various parts of the body, including notably the sense organs (eyes, ears, etc.).
Sensory nerves are also known as afferent nerves.
Sinsemilla
The unpollinated female cannabis plant, with a relatively high concentration of THC.
Snorting (Insufflation)
One method of ingestion certain drugs. Insufflation requires that the drug be in powdered form.
Drug rapidly drawn up the nostril usually via paper or glass tube.
“Insufflation”
Sphygmomanometer
A medical device used to measure blood pressure.
It consists of and arm or leg cuff, with an airbag attached to tube and bulb for pumping air into the bag, and a gauge for showing the amount of air pressure being pressed against the artery.
Diagram terms to remember: Manometer (Pressure Gauge) Compression Cuff Pressure Control Valve Pressure Bulb Tubes
Standardized
Conforming to a model in comparative applications.
“The DRE program is standardized and systematic.”
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST)
These are the SFSTs: HGN, WAT, OLS.
Based on a series of controlled laboratory studies, scientifically validated clues of impairment have been identified for each of these three tests.
They are the only Standardized Field Sobriety Tests for which validated clues have been identified.
Stethoscope
A medical instrument used, for drug evaluation and classification purposes, to listen to the sounds produced by blood passing through an artery.
Stroke
A medical condition that occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or a burst and may cause observable signs and symptoms which may mimic drug and alcohol impairment.
Sympathetic Nerve
An autonomic nerve that commands the body to react in a response to excitement, stress, fear, etc. The brain uses sympathetic nerves to send “wake up calls” and “fire alarms” to the muscles, tissues, and organs.
Sympathomimetic Drugs
Drugs that mimic the neurotransmitter associated with the sympathetic nerves. These drugs artificially cause the transmission of messages that produce elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils, etc.
Synapse (Synaptic Gap)
The gap or space between two neurons (nerve cells).
Synesthesia
A sensory perception disorder, in which an input via one sense is perceived by the brain as an input via another sense.
Ex: Individual “hearing” a phone ring and “seeing” the sound as a flash of light.
Synsthesia sometimes occurs with persons under the influence of a hallucinogen. Listed as a GI.
Systematic
Done or acting according to a fixed plan or system; methodical.
“The DRE program is standardized and systematic.”
Systolic
The highest value of blood pressure. The blood pressure reaches its systolic value when the heart is fully contracted (systole), and blood is sent surging into the arteries.
DRE Avg. Ranges: 120-140 mmHg.
Tachycardia
Abnormally rapid ❤️ rate
Tachypnea
Abnormally rapid rate of breathing
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
The principal psychoactive ingredient in drugs belonging to the cannabis category.
Tolerance
An adjustment of the drug user’s body and brain to the repeated presence of a drug.
As tolerance develops, the user will experience diminishing psychoactive effects from the same dose of drug.
As a result, the user typically will steadily increase the dose he or she takes in an effect to achieve the same psychoactive effect.
Tracks
Scar tissue usually produced by repeated injection of drugs via hypodermic needle along a segment of a vein.
Vein
A blood vessel that carries blood back to the heart from the body tissues.
Vertical Gaze Nystagmus (VGN)
An involuntary jerking of the eyes (up-and-down) which occurs as the eyes are held at maximum elevation. The jerking should be distinct and sustained.
Voir Dire
A French expression literally meaning “to see, to say”.
Loosely, this would be rendered in English as “To seek the truth,” or “to call it as you see it.”
In a law or court context, one application of Voir DIre is to question a witness to assess his or her qualifications to be considered an expert in some matter pending before the court.
Voluntary Nerve
A motor nerve that carries messages to a muscle that we consciously control.
Withdrawal
This occurs in someone who is physically addicted to a drug when he or she is deprived of the drug. If the craving is sufficiently intense, the person may become extremely agitated, and even physically ill.
