ABSTRACT
Stories of exotic poisonings give rise to plots that fascinate television viewers but which, more often than not, can pose vexing problems for forensic scientists. Fortunately, they are uncommon. Detailed knowledge of exotic poisons is a skill not much in demand today. What is required is the ability to recognize (and manage) the common complications of commonly abused drugs, such as stimulants, opiates, cannabinoids, hallucinogens, solvents, some anaesthetics and some prescription medications. With each edition of this book the molecular mechanisms of addiction and drug abuse have become clearer. At the same time, our ability to measure drug concentrations in any tissue has become ever more precise.
