Illegal drug abuse

Three types of questions have to be answered by hair analysis in the forensic cases of illegal drug abuse ... 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that illegal drug abuse costs the United States and its citizens almost 200 billion each year. 

Social and economic harms Some invasions of privacy or breaches of confidentiality could result in embarrassment with one s business or social group, loss of employment, or criminal prosecution. Confidential safeguards must be strong in these instances. Examples of these particular sensitivities include information about alcohol or drug abuse, mental illness, illegal activities, and sexual behavior. Participation in research may also result in additional costs to the participant. 

The phrases substance abuse and drug abuse are often applied to the use of an illegal or illicit chemical substance (e.g., LSD, heroin). However, these terms may be applied when a legally obtainable medication is used excessively and for unintended purposes or is diverted to someone else s use. Also, some legal substances (e.g., nicotine, alcohol) are used to the detriment of the individual. Inappropriate use, or abuse, is... 

More information is needed about the efficacy of needle-exchange schemes—and for this to happen, more schemes need to be set up. If they prove a failure, we may see extreme legal sanctions on IV drug abusers possessing illegal equipment. 

Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice. Drugs of Abuse. Provides general background information on illegal drugs. 

A No. Salvia divinorum is a legal herb that does not lend itself to abuse. Therefore, there has been no incentive to develop tests for it. The active principal, salvinorin A, is not chemically similar to any illegal drug and will not produce a false-positive on drug tests that test for illegal drugs. 

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