ABSTRACT
Drugs that nd their way into police investigations† are typically called psychoactive drugs. …ese drugs ažect the user’s psychological processes and change his or her mood, thinking, perception, and behavior. Psychoactive drugs may be illicit (e.g., lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD]) or lawful (e.g., barbiturates). …ey may be controlled (i.e., requiring a prescription) or uncontrolled (not requiring a prescription, e.g., alcohol or certain overthe-counter preparations). Drugs can be divided into several types based upon their ežect on the user. …e eight major categories discussed in this chapter are central nervous system depressants, central nervous system stimulants, hallucinogens, cannabis, designer drugs, nonprescription drugs, inhalants, and steroids.
