Criminalistics Essay

Jennifer Humphrey Criminalistics Individual Work Week 3 1. Name two synthetic opiates and describe the purpose for which each is typically used. * Methadone is perhaps the best known synthesized opiate. A person that receives periodic doses of methadone would not get high if he/she then took heroin or morphine. It’s purpose is to eliminate an addicts desire for heroin, with minimal side effects. Mainly, heroin addicts receive methadone to reduce or prevent future heroin use.Some physicians also prescribe methadone for pain relief. * Oxycontin’s active ingredient is oxycodone, which is a synthetic drug closely related to morphine and heroin in its chemical structure. Oxycontin is an analgesic that has affects similar to those of heroin. Used to treat chronic pain. 2. What is a hallucinogen? Name three commonly used hallucinogens. Hallucinogens are drugs that can cause marked alterations in normal thought processes, perceptions and moods.Three commonly used hallucinogens are LSD, PCP, and Marijuana. 3. What is stimulant? Name two widely used stimulants, A stimulant is a drug that is used to stimulate, or speed up the central nervous system. Cocaine and methamphetamines (ICE) 4. What is crack and how is it produced? A particularly potent form of cocaine produced by mixing cocaine and baking soda and then water, and then heated, resulting in a solution. The material us then broken into tiny chunks that dealers melt as crack rocks.Crack gives a greater euphoria. 5. What is the difference between a screening test and a confirmation test? A screening test is a preliminary test used to reduce the number of possibility identities of an unknown substance. A confirmation test is a single test that specifically identifies a substance. References Saferstein, 2009, pages 286-287 Saferstein, 2009, pages 287-290 Saferstein, 2009, page 293-295 Saferstein, 2009, page 295 Saferstein, 2009, page 303