Forensic Aspects of Drug Abuse 1 Flashcards
Cocaine is classified as a powerful ______
CNS stimulant
What is cocaine a natural alkaloid of
erythroxylon coca
What is crack?
- street form of cocaine - a free base form
- crack gets its name from the sound it makes when smoked (crack has a lower melting point so you can actually smoke it)
_____ is high quality crack
crystal
What are the methods of ingestion of cocaine?
- IV
- smoking
- snorting
- oral
- topical
What are the desired effects of cocaine?
- intense euphoria
- decreased anxiety
- decreased social inhibitions
- increased alternates
- increased performance
- increased self confidence
What is the duration of cocaine?
- smoking: 20 minutes
- oral: 60 minutes
- snorting: 90 minutes
What are some of the physical SE associated with cocaine?
- increased bp
- increased body temp
- dilated pupils
- sensitivity to light
- rapid speech
- n/v
At higher doses and with chronic use, cocaine does what
- dysphoria
- fatigue
- confusion
- disoriented behaviour
- delusions
- hallucinations
- irritability
- fear and paranoia
- antisocial behaviour
- aggressiveness
- itching/picking skin
- psychosis
- problems concentrating
What are the 3 phases of cocaine withdrawal?
- The crash phase
- agitation
- depression and irritability
- intense cocaine craving
- fatigue - The withdrawal phase
- increased anxiety
- lack of energy
- variable cravings
- angry outbursts - Extinction phase
- episodic cravings for the drug
What is cocaine induced excited delirium associated with?
- dissociative state
- violence
- exaggerated strength
- increased body temp
- cardio-resp arrest
- rhabdomyolysis
- sudden death
Meth is a powerful and addictive _________
CNS stimulant
________ derivative
amphetamine
What are 2 of the main precursors of methamphetamine?
- pseudoephedrine
- ephedrine
What are the 3 methods of meth production?
- P2P method
- ephedrine or pseudoephedrine reduction
- nazi (or birch) method
What are the methods of meth ingestion?
- smoked, snorted, injected or swallowed
What is the desired effects of meth?
- euphoria
- increased alertness and mental clarity
- increased sense of well being
- increased energy and confidence
What is the onset of meth?
- within seconds if smoked or injected
What is duration of action of meth?
- 4-12 hours
What are the physical effects associated with meth?
- tremors
- insomnia
- mental confusion
- irritability
- aggression
- hyperthermia
What happens once effects of meth subside?
- extreme fatigue leading to prolonged and disturbed sleep - which can lead to depression
Does meth have both psychological and physiological dependence?
YES
What isomer of meth is more addictive and more toxic (more active)
d isomer
What is MDMA classified as?
- hallucinogenic amine
What was MDMA first used for?
- appetite suppressant
- adjunct to psychotherapy
What is the street name of MDMA?
- ecstasy
- E
What is the desired effects of MDMA?
- euphoria
- increased sense of well being
- increased energy and self confidence
- intensification of feelings
- overwhelming desire to communicate
- profound empathy
What is the onset of action of MDMA?
- 30-45 minutes
What is the duration of action of MDMA?
- 4-6 hours
What are the other physical sx of MDMA?
- feelings of panic
- depression
- mental confusion
- anxiety
Does MDMA cause psychological and physical dependence?
- psychological: yes
physical: NO
What are the SE associated with MDMA overdose?
- convulsions
- hyperthermia
- behavioural changes
- rhabdomyolysis
- intravascular coagulation
- acute renal failure
What are the effects of toxicity of MDMA?
- increased HR
- sweating
- muscle tension and cramping
- dry mouth
- teeth grinding
- blurred vision
- nausea and dizziness
