The Analysis of Controlled Substances
Chapter One
Introduction to Drug Trends,
Control, Legislation and Analysis
Learning Objectives
To appreciate the problem of increasing drug use.
To be aware of the international legislation relating to drugs.
To be aware of the legislation in relation to the control of drugs in the
United Kingdom, the United States and Australia.
To appreciate the role of the drugs chemist in drugs analysis.
To understand the need for quality assurance in the drugs laboratory.
To gain an understanding of the ways to facilitate evidence presentation
in court.
1.1 Introductory Remarks
The problems associated with psychotropic drugs and controlled substances have
been, and continue to be, the subject of much debate. Regardless of one's
views, however, there remains the fact that a number of drugs are controlled
substances. There is now a considerable body of evidence that the number of
people using controlled substances for non-medical purposes is increasing. Data
from the United Kingdom (Figure 1.1) is mirrored by tha ... read full excerpt from The Analysis of Controlled Substances ebook
