ISSN : 2663-2187

MEDICOLEGAL RELEVANCE AND SCREENING OF PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS IN ADDICTS FROM DIFFERENT AREAS OF LAHORE, PAKISTAN.

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Muhammad Tariq , Labiba Hanan , Nadia Pervaiz , Fatima Hafeez , Amir Hur , Sanaila Gull Sana
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.7.3.2025.8-24

Abstract

Introduction: Addiction is a complex multifaceted disorder characterized by the compulsive use of a substance or engagement in a behavior despite negative consequences. It can significantly impact a person’s physical, psychological and social well-being. A variety of drugs is available in many areas of Lahore, so we conducted this study to assess various drugs and their associated factors by examining different drug abusers and then conducting laboratory tests on their samples. Objective: This study provides new evidence on the relationship among crime and drug use according to history of drugs addicts, hence; proves that drugs trigger criminal activity in addicts. Methods: Two types of methods for drug detection and confirmation are typically used, immunoassay and Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Urine, blood, hair, saliva, sweat, and nails (toenails and fingernails) are among the biological samples used for laboratory drug testing. 250 samples were collected from different Rehabilitation centers and hospitals of drugs addicts. An informed consent statement was provided, that asks for their participation in the program and notifies them that a urine sample will be obtained and the conclusion is read to respondents. All those samples/cases with insufficient information regarding drug usage history will be excluded from this study. Results: In 250 rehabilitation centers, we performed on site drug screening tests and sample collected for qualitative confirmation of drugs in which 98.8% are male and 1.2 % are female. Most common drug used in 10-25 years’ age groups are THC, Morphine and TCA. 250 samples of urine were screened for psycho active drugs using “Really Tech” and “Accurate” devices and the results of all samples are provided. MTD was observed 0.8%, Cocaine 1.2%, Amphetamines 10.9%, Morphine 44.9%, Barbiturates 0.8%, Benzodiazepines 38.7%, Phencyclidine 0 %, Methamphetamines 15.6%, TCA 22.7%, THC 50.4%. Conclusion: The results of the current study show that drug testing is a useful tool for monitoring and screening for illicit drug use. For screening of drugs in drugs addicts in low economy country like Pakistan where people cannot afford LC-MS due to its cost effectiveness, screening can be used for drugs identification.

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