Pharmacology / toxicology - Stimulants / amphetamines experts

Introduction

Stimulants are a type of drug that speed up neurological processes in the brain and physiological processes in the body. Stimulants are widely used as prescription medicines, for performance-enhancing purposes or for recreational use. Some notable stimulants include caffeine, nicotine, cocaine and amphetamines. Amphetamines, specifically, come in a variety of forms such as MDMA, methamphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Short term effects of stimulant ingestion (depending on the drug) can range from energy boosts, euphoria, improved attention and suppressed appetite, while long term effects of use can lead to dependence, weight loss, muscle deterioration, hallucination, paranoia and strokes. Prescription drugs consisting of amphetamines are often used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.

At the bottom of this profile are brief details of a number of the experts that Expert Experts represents. Call our office to discuss your requirements and to obtain a recommendation that suits your needs and budget.

Expertise in Action

Possession, manufacture or sale of stimulant narcotics such as cocaine, MDMA and methamphetamine is a criminal offence in all Australian jurisdictions. The recreational use or sale of prescription amphetamines such as Adderall, along with the use of stimulants as performance enhancing drugs, is also illegal.

As a result, pharmacological or toxicological experts in stimulants such as amphetamines are often required to provide opinion on criminal matters involving the importation, sale or
manufacturing of drugs. Their opinion is often considered by judges when sentencing people with extreme dependence on such drugs. They may also be required to assess the impact of performance-enhancing drugs on athlete performance.

Sample Reports

For some fields of expertise we have some sample sections of de-identified reports. Please contact our office if you are interested in a sample.

Cost

The overall cost of expert opinion depends on the services required. Some of the key factors that affect the cost of advice include:

• The need for a view or inspection of a location
• The quantity of documentary material to be reviewed
• Whether there are reports of other experts to be reviewed and commented on in detail
• Whether there is a need for conferences with the expert either in person or by telephone/Skype

Relevant Articles Amphetamines – Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Information about amphetamines.

The emergence of potent forms of methamphetamine in Sydney, Australia: a case study of the IDRS as a strategic early warning system

This paper demonstrates the operation of the IDRS in detecting and documenting an increase in both the availability and use of different forms of methamphetamine in Sydney, and Australia more widely, since 1998.

Did the Heroin Shortage Increase Amphetamine Use?: A Time Series Analysis

Over the last decade, Australia has experienced a substantial growth in the use of amphetamine type substances (ATS). After examining a number of models, no evidence of a temporal relationship between heroin and amphetamine use was found.

Relevant Cases R v Stanley [2013] NSWCCA 124

In this matter the accused was found the have ingested methamphetamine prior to indecently exposing himself and assaulting a woman. Expert pharmacological opinion was used to assess the impact of the stimulants on his behaviour.

Collins v Signature Blend Pty Ltd t/as Alira [2015] NSWWCCPD 22

Compensation case requiring pharmacological expert evidence on the impact of alcohol and cocaine consumption on the falling of a man from a balcony during a work party.

Day v Harness Racing New South Wales [2014] NSWSC 1024

In this case performance-enhancing stimulant drugs were used to improve the performance of harness-racing horses, to the detriment of the horse’s health. Expert pharmacologists and veterinarians were required to present evidence.

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