Transcript Types of Drugs

Drugs
Forensic Science
Introduction
• Humans have used drugs of one sort or
another for thousands of years
-wine was used at least from the time of
the early Egyptians
-narcotics from 4000 BC
-medicinal use of marijuana has been dated
to 2737BC in China
Psychological Dependence
• Use of a drug caused by
underlying emotional needs.
• Generally comes from an
individuals desire to create
a sense of well-being and to
escape from realty
Physical (Physiological Dependence)
• A physical need for a
drug brought about by
its regular use
• Characterized by
withdrawal sickness
when drug is stopped
suddenly
Types of Drugs-Stimulants
• Drugs that act on the central nervous
system, increase brain activity and heart
rate.
• Some give feelings of alertness, greater
energy and confidence.
• They may also reduce appetite
Examples of Stimulants
•
•
•
•
•
•
Cocaine /crack
Methamphetamine
Ecstasy
GHB
Amphetamines
Nicotine
Types of Drugs-Depressants
• Drugs that act on the central nervous
system and slow down brain activity.
• Impaired co-ordination, balance and
judgement are common.
• Higher doses can lead progressively to
drowsiness, vomiting, coma and even death.
Examples of Depressants
• Volatile substances or
sniffable substances
(eg glues, gases,
aerosols)
• Alcohol
• Tranquillisers
• GHB (Gamma hydroxybutyrate)
Types of Drugs-Hallucinogens
• Drugs that act to change the way
users experience the world through
the five senses.
• Sometimes this involves seeing, and
hearing things which aren't there.
Examples of Hallucinogens
• Cannabis
• LSD
• Magic
mushrooms/Psilocybin
• Ketamine
Types of Drugs -Narcotics
• Drugs that have a
painkilling effect- also
known as Analgesics. They
work by depressing the
central nervous system.
e.g.
-heroin
-opium
-morphine
-OxyContin
(synthetic opiate)
Types of Drugs – Anabolic
Steroids
• Drugs that promote muscle growth and
increase lean body mass.
• These drugs mostly have legitimate medical
uses
• They are often misused by those wishing to
enhance their athletic performance or
strength.
Statistics
• The following statistics are from the
results of a major national survey of
secondary schoolchildren aged 11-15
published by the Department of
Health (DH) in 2002.
• 12% of pupils had used illegal drugs in
the last month and 20% had used illegal
drugs in the last year
• 13% of boys reported taking drugs in
the last month compared to 11% of girls
• Use increased with age. Six percent of
11-year-olds had used drugs in the last
year compared to 39% of 15-year-olds
 Cannabis is the most likely drug to have been
used, with 13% of pupils reporting use in the
last year.
 Cannabis use also increases sharply with age
with 1% of 11-year-olds having used the drug
in past year compared with 31% of 15-yearolds
 Class A drugs had been used by 4% of 11-15
year olds. One percent say they used heroin
or cocaine
Risks of Using Drugs
• Risks vary according to:
-circumstances of the use
-the motivation and knowledge level of the
user
-their mood and expectation at the time of
use
-the manner of use
-size of dose
-purity of the sample
Risks Factors Involved in Drug
Taking
• Users can never be sure of exactly what
they are taking
• Not knowing the strength of what has been
bought could lead to an accidental overdose
(which may be life-threatening)
• Users can't be precisely sure of the effect
the drug will have, even if they have taken
it before.
• Sharing dirty needles or syringes
carries a risk of serious infections
• Mixing drugs, or drugs with alcohol
• Getting a criminal record.
• Effects on relationships, financial
pressures, reducing judgement or
performance etc.
Class A Drugs
• Amphetamines (speed) - if prepared
for injection
• Cocaine and crack
• Ecstasy
• Heroin
• LSD (acid)
• Magic mushrooms - if prepared for
use.
Possession of Class A Drugs
• Possession:
-seven years prison and/or a fine
• Possession with intent to supply
-life imprisonment and/or a fine
Class B Drugs
• Amphetamines (speed)
• Possession
-five years prison and/or a fine
• Possession with intent to supply
-14 years prison and/or a fine
Class C Drugs
•
•
•
•
•
Anabolic steroids
Cannabis
Mild amphetamines
GBH
Tranquillisers DF 118 (painkillers)
Possession of Class C Drugs
• Possession
-two years prison and/or a fine
• Possession with intent to supply
-14 years prison and/or a fine
Useful Websites
• http://www.mindbodysoul.gov.uk/drugs/dru
gmenu.html
• http://www.sorted4.info/html/400/430.ht
ml
• http://www.stonerlemmings.com
• http://www.lifebytes.gov.uk/drugs/drugs
_facts.html
This powerpoint was kindly donated to
www.worldofteaching.com
http://www.worldofteaching.com is home to over a
thousand powerpoints submitted by teachers. This is a
completely free site and requires no registration. Please
visit and I hope it will help in your teaching.