Uncovering Secrets: How Hair Reveals Drug Use

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.