l8 Forensic Chemistry; Drugs

Question 1

psychological dependence

Answer 1

Conditioned use of a drug caused by underlying emotional needs.

Question 2

physical dependence

Answer 2

-Need for a drug brought about by its regular use
-dependence characterized by withdrawal sickness drug use is stopped
-desire to avoid withdrawal symptoms causes addiction

Question 3

narcotic

Answer 3

-analgesic or painkilling substance that depresses vital body fxns (blood pressure, pulse rate, breathing rate)
-regular administration produces physical dependence.

Question 4

analgesic

Answer 4

substance that relieves pain by depressing action on central nervous system

Question 5

hallucinogen

Answer 5

induces changes in mood, attitude, thought processes, and perceptions

Question 6

depressant

Answer 6

-depresses fxns of central nervous system
-calm irritability and anxiety, may induce sleep.

Question 7

stimulant

Answer 7

-increase alertness or activity
- followed by decrease in fatigue and loss of appetite

Question 8

anabolic steroids

Answer 8

Steroids that promote muscle growth.

Question 9

screening test

Answer 9

A test that is nonspecific and preliminary in nature.

Question 10

confirmation

Answer 10

A single test that specifically identifies a substance.

Question 11

microcrystalline tests

Answer 11

preliminary test to identify specific substances by the color and morphology of the crystals formed when the substance
is mixed with specific reagents

Question 12

chromatography

Answer 12

Any of several analytical techniques for separating organic or carbon-containing mixtures into their components

Question 13

spectrophotometry

Answer 13

An analytical method for identifying a substance by its selective
absorption of different wavelengths of light.

Question 14

infrared

Answer 14

Invisible short frequencies of light before red in the visible spectrum.

Question 15

what is a drug?

Answer 15

natural or synthetic substance that is used to produce
physiological or psychological effect in humans

Question 16

most common source for narcotic drugs

Answer 16

opium from poppy

Question 17

examples of narcotics? explain them

Answer 17

-Morphine: readily extracted from opium, used to synthesize heroin
-Heroin: “high” accompanied by drowsiness and a sense of well being generally last for three to four hours
-Codeine, present in opium, but usually prepared synthetically from morphine

Question 18

examples of Synthetic Opiates Not Derived From Opium?

Answer 18

OxyContin
-treatment of chronic pain
-Oxycodone active ingredient
-same physiological effects on the body as opium narcotics
-NOT derived from opium or morphine

Methadone
-Pharmacologically related to heroin
-eliminate addict’s desire for heroin, producing minimal side effects

Question 19

examples of depressants?

Answer 19

-alcohol
-anti-anxiety drugs
-barbiturates
-aerosols propellant

Question 20

examples of stimulants?

Answer 20

-amphetamines
-cocaine

Question 21

methampetamines and amphetamines are usually injected intravenously (in veins) what effect do they have on the body?

Answer 21

-initial “rush,” followed by an intense feeling of pleasure
-followed by period of exhaustion and prolonged period of depression

Question 22

where does cocaine come from? crack?

Answer 22

-Extracted from leaves of Erythroxylin coca
- Crack is cocaine mixed with baking soda and water, then heated

Question 23

examples of hallucinogens?

Answer 23

marijuana, mushrooms, LSD (acid), PCP, MDMA (ecstasy)

Question 24

Which part of cannabis contains the LEAST amount of THC? the most?

Answer 24

seeds, resin

Question 25

The challenge or difficulty of forensic drug identification comes in ____________________________ that will ensure a specific identification of a drug

Answer 25

selecting appropritate analytical procedures

Question 26

what are the two tests in a 'two-tiered' system of drug identification?

Answer 26

screening test- nonspecific, preliminary, reduce the possibilities to a manageable number confirmation test- single test that specifically identifies a substance

Question 27

common form of preliminary analysis?

Answer 27

colour test- substances produce characteristic colours when exposed to certain chemicals

Question 28

two popular confirmation tests?

Answer 28

-infrared spectrophotometry -Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (separate compounds then weigh them)

Question 29

explain how chromatography works?

Answer 29

-one phase is always made to move in one direction over a stationary or fixed phase -materials that have a preference for the moving phase will slowly pull ahead and separate from those substances that prefer to remain in the stationary phase

Question 30

what is the difference between qualitative and quantitative information of drugs?

Answer 30

qualitative- identity of material quantitative- amount of material