Pathology, Toxicogenetics, and Criminalistics of Drug Abuse

Pathology, Toxicogenetics, and Criminalistics of Drug Abuse presents a detailed introduction to the cutting-edge advances in this emerging field. Beginning with a definition and explanation of the scheduling of controlled substances, the book covers all illicit drugs, as well as several legitimate pharmaceutical preparations that are used illicitly, including steroids. It describes in detail the most common pathologic syndromes seen in the hearts, lungs, and central nervous systems of drug abusers and explains how inherited genetic defects and variations can alter drug effects. Written by leading investigators in the field, this useful volume describes the techniques most commonly used by forensic analysts including chemical confirmatory tests such as microcrystal identification and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The book reviews the basics of toxicogenetics, including the molecular changes in cardiac structure ("channelopathies") that may cause sudden death.