Drugs

Four Categories of Drugs Based on Their Physiological Effects:

1. Hallucinogens

   • Examples:

     • PCP (Phencyclidine): Known as "angel dust," it can be sniffed, ingested, or smoked. It causes feelings of strength, invulnerability, and dreamy detachment, followed by unresponsiveness and confusion. Long-term use can lead to severe depression, violent tendencies, and suicidal behavior.

     • LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide): A powerful hallucinogen that distorts perception, creating altered sensory experiences, vivid hallucinations, and an altered sense of time.

2. Depressants

   • Examples:

     • Alcohol (Ethyl Alcohol): Acts as a depressant on the central nervous system (CNS). In low doses, it affects judgment and memory, while higher doses impair coordination, speech, and reaction time. In extreme doses, it can cause a coma or death due to respiratory and circulatory failure.

     • Barbiturates: Often referred to as "downers," barbiturates like phenobarbital are used to induce sleep and relaxation. They act similarly to alcohol on the CNS, and long-term use can lead to physical dependence.

3. Stimulants

   • Examples:

     • Amphetamines (including Methamphetamine): Synthetic drugs that stimulate the CNS. Methamphetamine, commonly known as "ice," provides a strong rush and intense pleasure, but chronic use leads to severe depressive episodes and violent behavior.

     • Cocaine: A stimulant extracted from the coca plant. It increases alertness, energy, and suppresses hunger. Chronic use can result in severe depression and toxic effects, including cardiac arrest and seizures.

4. Inhalants

   • Examples:

     • Glue sniffing (Toluene): The inhalation of volatile solvents such as toluene found in glue and paint can cause euphoria and slurred speech. However, prolonged inhalation can lead to liver, heart, and brain damage.

     • Aerosol propellants (Freon): Often inhaled for short-term exhilaration and euphoria, but the chemicals involved can cause long-term damage to the organs and even be fatal.

Two Colour Tests Used in the Preliminary Analysis of Drug Samples:

1. Marquis Reagent Test:

   • This test is commonly used for detecting the presence of alkaloids and other substances like opiates, amphetamines, and certain hallucinogens. When the sample is mixed with Marquis reagent (a mixture of formaldehyde and concentrated sulfuric acid), a color change occurs. For example:

     • Methamphetamine or amphetamines turn orange or brown.

     • Heroin or opiates turn purple.

2. Scott Reagent Test:

   • This test is specifically used to detect the presence of cocaine. When a sample is mixed with Scott reagent (which contains cobalt thiocyanate), a blue color indicates the presence of cocaine. This test helps in distinguishing cocaine from other substances.