ABSTRACT
Drug-related deaths resulting from overdose, unexpected fatal toxicity due to purity of the drug, and asphyxia are often classified as accidental, though they may be homicidal due to the context of their administration and procurement. Suicidal overdose is also possible but is difficult to distinguish from accidental overdose. All drug-related deaths will require a thorough medicolegal autopsy and toxicology screen. Injection involves using a hypodermic syringe and introducing the drug in a liquid form directly into the body. Absorption of drugs may be accomplished through the dermis or through the mucus membranes including sublingual and through the colon by suppository or enema. Inhalation is the breathing in of a substance. Inhalation includes smoking, snorting, and huffing drugs such as smoking marijuana, crack cocaine, snorting cocaine, and huffing gases. Oral ingestion is the swallowing of drugs, most commonly pills, mushrooms, or marijuana.
