crimeneutral
Uncovering Secrets: How Hair Reveals Drug Use
Monday, July 7, 2025
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Hair can be a silent witness to what someone has consumed.
- Not just illegal drugs like meth or cocaine.
- Now, scientists can detect hypnotics, sleep-inducing medications, from a single dose.
- This ability has been a game-changer in forensic investigations since the 2010s.
Why Hair?
- Grows steadily.
- Traps chemicals from the blood.
- Provides a timeline of drug use.
- Like a diary that doesn't lie.
- Forensic experts love this for its reliability.
The Process
- Complex procedures to extract and analyze chemicals.
- Factors affecting results:
- Hair treatment.
- Growth rate.
- Overall health.
Interpretation
- Not always black and white.
- Requires deep understanding of pharmacology and toxicology.
- Experts piece together the puzzle to solve serious crimes.
Limitations
- Not foolproof.
- One piece of the puzzle.
- Should be used alongside other evidence.
- In forensics, every clue counts.
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