Chapter 14: Forensic Aspects of Alcohol and Marijuana

Flashcards about the forensic aspects of alcohol and marijuana.

Ethyl Alcohol (Ethanol)

Alcohol with the molecular formula C2H5OH.

Common Toxicological Substance

Alcohol is the most common single substance encountered in toxicological analyses.

Alcoholics Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of alcoholics is 10-15 years shorter than non-alcoholics.

Alcohol Intoxication Symptoms

Euphoria, dehydration, and vasodilation are sample symptoms of alcohol intoxication.

Effect of High Alcohol Concentrations

At high concentrations, alcohol depresses the central nervous system.

Alcohol Effects on Respiration and Circulation

Respiration and circulation are predominantly affected by alcohol.

Physiological Signs of Alcohol Intoxication

Blood pressure falls, pulse rate rises, and skin is cool and clammy, indicative of shock.

Effect of Alcohol on Gastric Lining

Alcohol irritates the gastric lining, causing gastritis and triggers mucous secretion.

Gastric Ulcers from Alcohol

Small, superficial, often bleeding gastric ulcers occasionally occur after heavy alcohol consumption.

Nausea and Vomiting from Alcohol

Irritation of the stomach and stimulation of certain areas in the brain contribute to nausea and vomiting.

Fatty Infiltration of the Liver

Frequently found as the sole manifestation of disease in sudden deaths of alcoholics.

Seizures in Alcoholics

Alcoholics with fatty livers occasionally have a history of seizures (mechanism unknown).

Hepatic Steatosis

Fatty change in the liver due to alcohol consumption.

Chronic Alcoholism Autopsy Findings

Hepatic steatosis/cirrhosis, dilated cardiomyopathy, ascites, jaundice, ecchymosis, lower extremity edema, cerebellar vermis atrophy.

Aromatic Congeners

Added to inferior alcoholic beverages to mimic the odor of expensive brands.

Odor of Alcohol Consumption

Frequently due to byproducts of alcohol manufacture or added congeners, not pure alcohol itself.

Odor Persistence

Congeners may persist in tissues for hours after alcohol elimination, leading to erroneous conclusions about alcohol presence.

Absorption of Alcohol

Requires no preliminary digestion and is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Alcohol Absorption in the Stomach

Approximately 25% of total absorption occurs from the stomach.

Alcohol Absorption in the Small Intestine

Approximately 75% of alcohol is absorbed from the small intestine.

Factors affecting Absorption

Food in the stomach and carbonated beverages affect the rate and percentage of alcohol absorption.

Portal Vein

Ingested alcohol is carried from the gastrointestinal tract via the portal vein to the liver.

Blood Sample Choice

In most jurisdictions, blood is the sample of choice for alcohol analysis.

Vitreous Humor

May be used as an alternative to blood, but concentration lags behind blood by 1-2 hours.

Sample Collection Tubes

Usually collected in a red top tube where there is 5 mg of sodium fluoride to preserve the specimen

Sodium Fluoride

Preserves the specimen and prevents any further fermentation of the alcohol.

Deaths Due to Acute Alcohol Intoxication

Occur in individuals with ASCVD, COPD and severe anemia.

Common Autopsy Findings Due to Acute Alcohol Intoxication

Acute pancreatitis and pulmonary edema.

Alcohol Interactions with Other Depressants

Combination of other depressants will have an additive effect.

Cannabis Effect on Heart Rate

Increases heart rate causing greater myocardial oxygen demand.