drug overview

DRUG OVERVIEWUNIVERSITY OF TEXAS POLICE DEPARTMENT

CRIME PREVENTION UNIT

DRUG ABUSE TRENDS

drugabuse.gov

UNDERSTANDING DRUGS

Disrupts the brain’s communication system

Overtime, the brain naturally produces less neurotransmitters creating a tolerance

Defining Addiction: chronic, relapsing brain disease

justice.gov

justice.gov

MARIHUANA

justice.gov

justice.gov

HASHISH

analytical360.com

analytical360.com

HASH OIL

CANNABIS

Hallucinogen

Also known as:

• Weed, pot, grass, herb, hydro, nuggets, nuggs, Kind Bud “KB,” Schwag “cheap pot”

• Indica and Sativa: strains of marihuana

3 Forms

• Marihuana: leaves from plant• Hashish: dried resin from flowers• Hash Oil: oil concentration from plant material

• 1 – 2 drops = 1 joint

HOW IT’S USED

Cigarette (joint), pipe, bong

• One-hitters

Blunts (cigars emptied of original tobacco)

• Swishers Sweets, Phillies

Mixed with tobacco (spliff), foods, or used as tea

When Cultivated: 421 chemicals

When Burned: 2,000 chemicals

Main Ingredient: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Drugs of Abuse

SIGNS OF USE

Environmental:

• Pipes, grinders, rolling papers, matches, knives• Residue, ash, trays• Covered smoke detectors• Rolled-up towels by doors• Smoke Buddies • Smell is distinct

Body:

• Bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, coughing

Behavioral:

• Slowed speech, slower reaction time, sedated

smokebuddy.com

smokingwithstyle.com

EFFECTS

THC connects to specific cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells influencing pleasure, memory, concentration, sensory and thought

Effects last 1 – 4 hours

Short Term:

• Distorted perception and difficulty in thinking, problem solving and coordination

Long Term:

• Loss of motivation, ambition, mental confusion, panic reactions, depression

Extended Use:

• Suppression of immune system, increased risk of cancer

REPERCUSSIONS

Texas Law:

Amount Offense Classification Penalty

< 2 ounces Class B Misdemeanor Up to 180 days in county jail, < $2,000 fine

2 – 3.99 ounces Class A Misdemeanor Up to 1 year in county jail, < $4,000 fine

4 ounces – 5 pounds State Jail Felony 180 days – 2 years in state jail and/or < $10,000 fine

5 pounds – 50 pounds Third Degree Felony 2 – 10 years in a state prison and/or fine < $10,000

justice.gov

justice.gov

METHAMPHETAMINE

Stimulant

Also known as: Meth, ice, speed, chalk, crank, tweak, crystal, poor man’s cocaine

Form:

• White or yellowish crystalline powder• Crystals• Pills

HOW IT’S USED

Snorted: straw, ballpoint pen, dollar bill

Smoked: pipe, glass stem

Swallowed: pill form, use of empty capsules, mixed with food and drinks, wrapped in toilet paper “parachuting”

Injected: needles , suppository

INGREDIENTS

Synthetic “recipes”

A mix of various forms of amphetamines and other chemicals to increase its potency

Possible substances include: cold medicine, battery acid, drain cleaner, lighter fuel, antifreeze, metals, salts, brake fluid, hydrochloric acid

SIGNS OF USE

Environment

• Needles, syringes• Pipes, straws, rolled dollar bills, hollowed ink pens• Small mirrors • Burnt, little pieces of aluminum foil or gum wrappers• Light smell of chemicals, plastic

Body

• Extreme weight loss, dilated pupils, sweating, flushed skin, body odor

Behavioral

• Excited speech, lying, aggression, compulsive behaviors, disturbed sleep patterns, anxious, hair plucking, sexual arousal

facesofmeth.us

facesofmeth.us

facesofmeth.us

EFFECTS

Effects: Increases dopamine transmission in the brain by 1500% causing a rush of sensation and emotions

Effects last: 6 – 12 hours, anxiety sets in afterward

Short/Long Term: Social withdrawal, mania, paranoia, open sores – “bugs,” OCD behaviors, brain damage, irregular heart beat, convulsions

Extended Use: malnutrition, lack of hygiene, “meth mouth,” organ failure, stroke, heart attack, death

Sodahead.com

REPERCUSSIONS

Texas Law:

Amount Offense Classification

Penalty

< 1 gram State jail felony Up to 2 years in prison, $10,000 fine

1 – 3.99 grams 3rd degree felony 2 – 10 years in prison, $10,000 fine

4 – 199 grams 2nd degree felony 2 – 20 years in prison, $10,000 fine

200 – 399 grams 1st degree felony 5 – 99 years in prison, $10,000

400 grams + Enhanced 1st degree felony

10 – 99 years in prison, $100,000 fine

justice.gov

ECSTASY

Hallucinogen

Also known as: MDMA, hug drug, love drug, sweets, skittles, smartees, molly, lover’s speed, X, Adam

Forms:

• Branded, colored pills• Branded: e.g. playboy bunnies, Nike swoosh, CK• Could contain caffeine and methanphetamines

• White, crystalized powder (Molly)• Snorted• Sometimes mistaken for cocaine

SIGNS OF USE

Environment

• Hidden pills in vitamin bottles and candy wrappers, common in night clubs

Body

• Tense muscles, sweating, increased heart rate, teeth clenching, involuntary eye movements

Behavioral

• Wide awake, high energy, touchy-feely, no pain awareness, sexual arousal

EFFECTS

MDMA causes the release and impediment of absorption of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for mood, arousal, appetite and sleep

Effects last: 3 – 6 hours

Short Term: hyperactive, acute sensory, emotional euphoria, increased physical energy, distortions of time and perception, dizziness, seizures, dehydration

Long Term: depression, anxiety, irregular sleep patterns

Extended Use: damages cells that produce serotonin, poor performance on memory task, lack of motivation, diminished concentration

REPERCUSSIONS

Amount Offense Classification

Penalty

< 1 gram State jail felony Up to 2 years in prison, $10,000 fine

1 – 3.99 grams 3rd degree felony 2 – 10 years in prison, $10,000 fine

4 – 199 grams 2nd degree felony 2 – 20 years in prison, $10,000 fine

200 – 399 grams 1st degree felony 5 – 99 years in prison, $10,000

400 grams + Enhanced 1st degree felony

10 – 99 years in prison, $100,000 fine

DRUG PARAPHERNALIAPowder is often sold in:

• “flaps” – small pieces of shiny paper folded into an envelope• Small glass vials, re-sealable plastic baggies, tiny sacks called

“8-balls”

Liquid is often sold in:

• Glass bottles, plastic squeeze bottles

WHICH DRUG IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MAJORITY OF CRIME?

ALCOHOL

Depressant

Alcohol decreases the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate and increases the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA causing sedation and sensory impairment

• Causes difficulty in walking, blurred vision, slurred speech, slowed reaction times, impaired memory

niaaa.nih.gov

ONE STANDARD DRINK

RATE OF ALCOHOL ABSORPTIONDepends on:

• Weight• Gender• Age• Time passed since last drink• Food Intake• Type of alcoholic beverage• Combination of medicine my slow or increase rate• History of alcohol use

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

• A BAC of 0.04% means 0.04 grams of alcohol per 100 grams of blood

www2.potsdam.edu

www2.potsdam.edu

HOW LONG DOES ALCOHOL STAY IN YOUR SYSTEM?Alcohol is metabolized at 0.016 BAC per hour, which is equivalent to one drink per hour regardless of body size and gender

* There are no techniques to hasten or alter the rate of metabolism

http://bloodalcoholcalculator.org/

BAC Level Hours until 0% alcohol

.016 (1 drink) 1

.05 3.75

.08 (legal limit) 5

.10 6.25

.16 10

.20 12.5

.23 15

A FEW CONSEQUENCES OF ALCOHOL

Blackouts, comas, alcohol poisoning, death

Unintentional injuries: car crashes, falls, burns, drowning

Intentional injuries: firearms, sexual assault, domestic violence

Mental and physical birth defects, miscarriages, stillbirths

Increased on-the-job injuries, loss of productivity

Increased family problems, broken relationships

Increased risk for developing alcoholism

SOME EFFECTS FROM EXTENDED USEDisrupts brain development and kills brain cells

Heart: stroke, high blood pressure, irregular heart beat, heart attack, and cardiomyopathy - stretching and drooping of heart muscles

Liver Disease

Nerve Damage

Ulcers

Pancreas: pancreatitis - inflammation of blood vessels, preventing proper digestion

Cancer: increased risk of mouth, esophagus, throat, liver, colon and breast

Immune: weakens system causing increased risk of diseases and infections

Vitamin B1 deficiency – lead to amnesia, apathy, disorientation

Depression, anxiety, memory loss

Sleeping difficulties

Dependency

ALCOHOLISM

Chronic and progressive disease, controls life

Develop a tolerance so that you need more to feel the effects

Ritual drinking

Can’t predict how much one will drink or for how long

Lose interest in previously enjoyed activities

Physical Withdrawals: nausea, sweating, shaking,

headaches, agitation, strokes

SIGNS OF ALCOHOLISM

Lying to others about drinking habits

Hiding alcohol in unusual places

Neglecting regular responsibilities or enjoyable activities

Law breaking

Seems extra tired, sad

Drinking in risky situations

Weight loss, upset stomach

Red nose and cheeks

awolspirit.com

Central Florida Intelligence Exchange

Central Florida Intelligence Exchange

SMOKING ALCOHOL

“Drunkorexia”

Methods include:

• Adding dry ice• Heating the glass bottle• Pressurizing the bottle

Alcohol is directly sent to lungs and brain, bypassing the metabolism and detoxification process in the stomach and liver for a quicker and stronger buzz

EFFECTS

Individuals are not able to gage how much alcohol is in their system

Higher risk for alcohol poisoning

BUT, there is no effective way for the body to prevent an overdose as in vomiting

Imitates a “quick hit” – higher potential to lead to an addiction

Increased risk for brionchospasm, lung inflammation, pneumonia

REPERCUSSIONS

DWI Offenses

First Offense: Class B Misdemeanor, 3 – 180 days in jail and/or fine <$2,000 fine (community supervision)

With a minor: 180 days – 2 years in jail and/or fine < $10,000 fine

Assault: 3rd Degree Felony, 2 – 10 years in state prison and/or , $10,000 fine

Manslaughter: 2nd Degree Felony, 2 – 20 years in state prison and /or $10,000 fine

Minors

Purchase, Possess or Consume: Class C Misdemeanor, <$500 fine, community service, suspension of D.L. for 30 -180 days

Providing Alcohol to a Minor: Class A Misdemeanor, < 1 year in jail and/or < $4,000 fine, suspension of D.L. for 180 days

• Open containers must be stored in vehicle’s trunk• Implied consent laws when signing driver’s license

Public Intoxication

Class C Misdemeanor, < $500 fine

mnn.com

TYPES OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE

Depressants – opioid pain relievers

• Hydrocodone: Vicodin• Oxycodone: Oxycontin

Depressants – tranquilizers, sleeping pills:

• Valium, Serax, Xanax, Rohypnol

Stimulants

• Amphetamine: Adderall• Ritalin

DEPRESSANTS: OPIOID PAIN RELIEVERSExample:

• Hydrocodone: Vicodin• Oxycodone: Oxycontin

Also known as narcotics

Tolerance develops quickly

Effects:

• Low doses: dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, slowed breathing• High doses: constricted pupils, skin is cold, moist and blue

Abuse: using regular pill or crushed tablets to ingest, snort or inject

• Effects: constipation, constricted pupils, moodiness, menstrual irregularities, death

DEPRESSANTS: TRANQUILIZERS, SLEEPING PILLSExample:

• Benzodiazepines: Valium, Serax, Xanax, Rohypnol

Slow normal brain function

Can produce sedation and memory loss

Dangerous when consumed with alcohol

Effects:

• Low doses: dizziness, sleepiness, slurred speech, reduced coordination

• High doses: clammy skin, sweating, unable to speak, eyes are wide-open, but vacantly staring

Abuse: using regular pill or crushed tablets to ingest, snort or inject

• Effects: irregular sleep, paranoia, violent, worsen anxiety and depression, cognitive loss, coma, death

PRESCRIPTION STIMULANTSExamples:

• Amphetamine: Adderall• Ritalin

Used to enhance brain activity, attention deficit disorders, narcolepsy

Effects:

• Short-term: nervousness, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, palpitations, headaches, changes in heart rate and blood pressure

• Long-term: compulsive use, feelings of hostility, paranoia, repetitive movements, hallucinations, aggressiveness

REPERCUSSIONS

Amount Offense Classification

Penalty

< 28 gram Class A Misdemeanor Up to 1 year in prison, < $4,000 fine

28 - 199 grams 3rd degree felony 2 – 10 years in prison, < $10,000 fine

200 – 399 grams 2nd degree felony 2 – 20 years in prison, < $10,000 fine

200 – 399 grams 1st degree felony 5 – 99 years in prison, < $10,000

400 grams + Enhanced 1st degree felony

10 – 99 years in prison, < $50,000 fine

In Texas, it is illegal to possess, deliver or sell prescription drugs

CONTACTPolice Department

512-471-441

Crime Prevention Unit

Officer Layne Brewster

layne.brewster@austin.utexas.edu

512-232-9638

Officer Jimmy Moore Jr.

jimmy.moore@austin.utexas.edu

512-232-9634