Forensic drugs

Drugs

A natural or synthetic substance that is used to produce physiological or psychological effects.

Analgesic

A drug or substance that lessens or eliminates pain.

Anabolic Steroids

Steroids that promote muscle growth.

Fluoresce

To emit visible light when exposed to light of a shorter wavelength.

Psychological dependence

Conditioned use of a drug caused by underlying emotional needs .

Physical dependence

Occurs when the drug becomes necessary for their body to function normally and dependence is characterized by withdrawal sickness when administration of the drug is abruptly stopped.

Narcotic

An analgesic or pain-killing substance that depresses vital body functions such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and breathing rate.

Hallucinogen

A substance that induces changes in mood, attitude, thought processes, and perceptions.

Chromatography

An analytical technique used to separate the components of a mixture for the purpose of identification and quantification.

Microcrystalline tests

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

Stimulant

A substance taken to increase alertness or activity.

Depressant

A substance that depresses the functions of the central nervous system.

Monochromatic light

Light having a single wavelength or frequency.

Screening test

A test that is nonspecific and preliminary in nature.

Confirmation test

A single test that specifically identifies a substance .

Infrared

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

Spectrophotometry

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

Barbiturates

Also known and downers because they relax the user, create a sense of wellbeing and produce sleep.

Tranquilizers

Drugs used to treat anxiety or problems with sleep.

Monochromator

A device for isolating individual wavelengths or frequencies of light.

Illicit substances

Drugs taken strictly for pleasure maybe produced legally or illegally.

Controlled substances

Drugs or chemicals whose manufacture, possession and use are regulated by the government.

Abuse

Inappropriate, Unwarranted and overuse of a substance (Drug)

Qualitative Test

A test that determines that

a substance is present. (descriptive

Quantitative Test

A test that indicates the exact amount of a chemical substance that is present in the body, with the results being reported in measurable units.