Investigating drugs of abuse at autopsy

Abstract

Post-mortem toxicology is an important diagnostic part of the investigative process, not least when drugs of abuse are suspected, some of which require special attention. This updated article summarizes key information regarding current common drugs of abuse, including amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine, ketamine, pregabalin as well as new psychoactive substances (NPS). There have also been recent trends in substances used in suicide (e.g. gases and chemicals). The importance of sufficient and appropriate information (such as case circumstances and drug history) in addition to scene evidence and other considerations (including analytical and sampling factors) are presented that are relevant to the interpretation of results and the pathological process.