Forensic Pathology for Police - Brainshare Public Online Library

274 11 Drug-Related and Toxin-Related Deaths
recipes/instructions for methamphetamine production exist and are easily found
on the Internet, including “one pot” and “shake’n’bake” methods. With many,
ingredients or by-products may be potentially harmful.
Fig. 11.18 A typical case of poor oral hygiene associated with methamphetamine use (“meth
mouth”)
MDMA (“ecstasy”) produces a massive serotonin rush and is very common
within the rave scene. The drug is described as a stimulant followed by a hallucinogen
“chaser.” MDMA comes in a variety of tablet forms, often with distinctive
scoring (impressions) on the tablets, including various popular emblems, symbols,
or characters. MDMA may be “cut” (diluted) with a variety of other substances,
including methamphetamine. It is frequently concealed or hidden in various forms
or packages, including otherwise “innocent” items, such as candy containers, breath
mint packages, lip balm, pacifiers, ring-candy, candy necklaces, etc. Some users
enjoy inhaling menthol petroleum jelly products along with abuse of MDMA.
Teeth clenching, tongue chewing, and post-MDMA depression are undesirable
side-effects. Slang names include “XTC,” “X,” “E,” “X-box,” “biscuits,” “adam,”
“essence,” “Rolaids,” “molecule,” and “Molly.” Other terms related to ecstasy use
include “parachuting,” in which the drug is wrapped in tissue prior to ingestion,
in order to avoid the bitter taste, and “plugging,” in which the tablet is inserted
rectally.
Other Stimulants
Khat (pronounced cot) is a plant, Catha edulis, which is native to eastern Africa
and southern Arabia. Fresh leaves contain a powerful stimulant (cathinone). As the
leaves dry, a less potent stimulant (cathine) forms. The leaves are chewed, and the
juice is swallowed. A form used for smoking is referred to as graba.
Mescaline (see below) is a naturally-derived drug of abuse that has certain
properties that are similar to amphetamines.