Serial+Killer+JCD


 * Toxicology:** The study of poisons and the identification of drugs and other substances a persona may have used for medicinal, recreational, or criminal purposes.


 * Controlled Substances**: A drug or other chemical compound whose manufacture, distribution, possession, and use is regulated by the legal system


 * Drug**: a chemical substance that affects the processes of the mind or body; a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of a disease; a substance used recreationally for its effects on the mind or body, such as a narcotic or hallucinogen


 * Narcotic**: an addictive drug, such as opium, that relieves pain, alters mood and behavior, and causes sleep or feelings of mental numbness


 * Poison:** A naturally occurring or manufactured substance that can cause sever harm or death if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin


 * Toxicity**: The degree to which a substance is poisonous or can cause injury


 * Toxin**: A poisonous substance naturally produced by certain plants, animals, and bacteria that is capable of causing disease or death in humans; a subgroup of poisons.

__**Introduction to Drugs and Toxins**__


 * Factors of toxicity**: the dose, the duration, the nature of the exposure, and other individual factors, such as whether the drug or toxin interacts with other substances in the body such as alcohol or prescription drugs.

//Accidentally//: Ingested or exposed, unintentional overdose or harmful combinations //Deliberately//: Suicide or exposures intended to harm or kill others
 * Toxic substances**: Classified by how people are exposed to them
 * Toxic classifications**: //Intentionally//: Drugs taken to treat an illness or relieve pain

- Though common in movies, not actually common in real life. Less than .5% of all homicides are from poisoning. Common poisons: cyanide, arsenic, and strychnine Different kinds of poisoning: Acute poisoning: cause by a high dose over a short period Of time Chronic poisoning: lower does over long time periods __**Drugs in Crime**__ Controlled Substances
 * Poison in Murder**
 * Classes of controlled substances:** Hallucinogens, narcotics, stimulants, anabolic steroids, and depressants


 * Hallucinogens**: Derived from plants and affect the user’s perceptions, thinking, self-awareness, and emotions. Some are derived from plants (Marijuana and mushrooms) and some are chemically manufactured (LSD and ecstasy).


 * Narcotics**: Reduce pain by suppressing the central nervous system’s ability to relay pain messages to the brain. Some are illegal substances (opium) and others are abused, controlled substances (Tylenol 3)


 * Stimulants**: Increase feelings of energy and alertness while suppressing appetite. Often causes depression after the drug wears off. Includes crack and methamphetamines.


 * Anabolic Steroids**: Promote cell and tissue growth and division.


 * Depressants**: Drugs, such as benzodiazepines, that relieve anxiety and produce sleep. Many times depressants are mixed with alcohol

__**Other Organic Toxins**__


 * Alcohols:** All are toxic to the body. Consumption can depress the central nervous system as well.


 * Bacterial Toxins**: Botulism is the most poisonous biological substance known to humans. Acts as a neurotoxin and paralyzes the muscles. It is extremely deadly in very small amounts and causes painful spasms before death. Bacteria also can produce tetanus, which can be deadly nervous.


 * Heavy Metals and Pesticides**: Pesticides primarily for controlling insects but can cause illness and death. Heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and mercury are used many times for suicide and homicide. Other substances can be in gas form, such as hydrogen cyanide.


 * Bioterrorism Agents**: Ricin is a lethal poison to humans as a mist or powder or in a drink. Also, anthrax is a bacterium that kills humans.