Opiates, including heroin, morphine and codeine, are derived from the opium poppy. Medicinally, opiates are used for pain management and cough reduction. Heroin is typically sold as a white or brownish powder or as the black sticky substance known on the streets as "black tar heroin." Although purer heroin is becoming more common, most street heroin is "cut" with other drugs or with substances such as sugar, starch, powdered milk, or quinine. Street heroin can also be cut with strychnine or other poisons. Because heroin abusers do not know the actual strength of the drug or its true contents, they are at risk of overdose or death. Heroin also poses special problems because of the transmission of HIV and other diseases that can occur from sharing needles or other injection equipment. In the urine, opiates are detectable up to 3 days after use.

Methadone is a synthetic analgesic drug primarily used in the treatment of narcotic addiction. It is administered orally or intravenously. Physiological effects of methadone use include respiratory depression, sedation and analgesia. Methadone overdoses are characterized by stupor, hypotension, pupillary constriction and clammy skin. Left untreated methadone overdoses can lead to coma or death. Methadone can be detected in urine for up to 3 days after use.

Methamphetamine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that dramatically affects the central nervous system. High doses lead to enhanced stimulation of the central nervous system and induce euphoria, alertness and a sense of increased energy. Methamphetamine is commonly known as "speed," "meth," and "chalk." In its smoked form, it is often referred to as "ice," "crystal," "crank," and "glass." It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. The drug was developed early in this century from its parent drug, amphetamine, and was used originally in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. Methamphetamine's chemical structure is similar to that of amphetamine, but it has more pronounced effects on the central nervous system. Like amphetamine, it causes increased activity, decreased appetite, and a general sense of well-being. The effects of methamphetamine can last 6 to 8 hours. After the initial "rush," there is typically a state of high agitation that in some individuals can lead to violent behavior. Methamphetamine can be detected in urine up to 3 days after use.