@article{ref1,
title="Illegal use of benzodiazepines and/or zolpidem proved by hair analysis",
journal="Journal of forensic sciences",
year="2013",
author="Kim, Jihyun and In, Sanghwan and Choi, Hwakyung and Lee, Sooyeun",
volume="58",
number="2",
pages="548-551",
abstract="The abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines and zolpidem are widespread internationally. Their illegal distribution has raised their abuse to a serious level, and they are often misused in crimes. In the present study, 18 cases involving the illegal use of benzodiazepines and/or zolpidem were proved by hair analysis. The drugs were extracted from the hair samples using methanol and analyzed using LC-MS/MS. The cases were classified according to case history: five of illegal use in medical staff, eight through inappropriate or illegal distribution, and five related to drug-facilitated crimes. Among the 18 cases, zolpidem was identified in eight, alprazolam in seven, diazepam in six, and clonazepam in four. The drug concentrations ranged from <LOQ to 6.47 ng/mg. Due to the ready supply and potential for criminal misuse of these drugs, programs for prescription drug monitoring and supervision of those handling these drugs are both recommended.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0022-1198",
doi="10.1111/1556-4029.12034",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.12034"
}