Underground Substances: Varieties and Impact
In the realm of forensic science, gas chromatography (GC) plays a crucial role in the examination of drugs or substances suspected of being illicit [1]. One such substance is dextromethorphan (DXM), a cough suppressant found in over-the-counter medications like cough syrups, gel capsules, and pills that resemble candies [2].
Abused substances, when consumed, enter the bloodstream and can have profound effects on an individual's physical and mental health. Forensic toxicology, the field that intersects with medicine and investigates crimes, accidents, and other incidents involving toxic substances, determines the presence and effects of drugs, chemicals, and poisons in biological samples [3].
Commonly used illicit drug groups can cause long-term physical and psychological health effects that vary depending on the substance but generally include severe damage to vital organs and mental health deterioration.
Physical health effects include liver damage, heart and cardiovascular issues, lung damage, kidney impairment, immune system weakening, reproductive and hormonal disruptions, and nutritional deficiencies and dental issues [4].
Psychological and mental health effects include addiction and dependence, cognitive impairments, mood disorders, psychosis and delusional thinking, increased risk of suicide and violence [4].
Other long-term consequences include financial and legal problems, increased overdose risk [5].
Synthetic marijuana, also known as Spice or K2, is a man-made narcotic that mimics the effects of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana [2]. Loperamide, a medication used to treat diarrhoea, can have depressive and hallucinogenic effects when abused in large doses [6]. CNS depressants, such as sedatives, tranquillizers, and hypnotics, are used to treat anxiety, panic, acute stress reactions, and sleep disturbances, but overuse can lead to drowsiness, disorientation, mobility and memory issues, reduced blood pressure, and slower breathing [7].
Chromatography in Forensic Science is used for various applications, including the analysis of drugs, chemicals, and poisons [1]. These chronic effects show that illicit drug use profoundly damages physical health, disrupts psychological wellbeing, and impairs social and economic functioning [5].
References:
[1] Forensic Science International. (2018). Gas Chromatography in Forensic Science. Elsevier.
[2] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Dextromethorphan (DXM). Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/dextromethorphan
[3] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Forensic Toxicology. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/forensic-toxicology
[4] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Long-term Effects of Drug Abuse. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/long-term-effects-drug-abuse
[5] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). The Science of Drug Abuse and Addiction: The Basics. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/media-guide/science-drug-abuse-addiction-basics
[6] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Loperamide. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/loperamide
[7] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). CNS Depressants. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/cns-depressants
The interdisciplinary field of forensic toxicology, which investigates crimes, accidents, and other incidents involving toxic substances in the body, uses science to determine the presence and effects of drugs, chemicals, and poisons in biological samples, thereby impacting both physical and mental health. This can result in various health-and-wellness issues such as addiction and psychological disorders, physical damage to vital organs, cognitive impairments, and even financial and legal problems.
