[Detection of consumption behaviour of psychotropic substances and alcohol by hair analysis].

Hair analysis is a analytical method which is used for monitoring the consumption behaviour of psychotropic substances and alcohol. The analysis of hair samples is suitable for a retrospective survey over a larger time frame because of the time-resolved storing of drugs, pharmaceuticals, their metabolites and alcohol markers. Hair analysis results provide information on the consumption patterns of these substances. The method is suitable to differentiate between abstinence of a substance (abstinere (Latin), stay away, here: teetotalism, abandonment) and repeated intake. In case of a confirmed consumption, a graduation of the consumption behaviour can be given with some limitations. Both, head hair and body hair can be examined; for a forensic examination generally head hair has to be investigated. Usually a hair growth rate of 1 cm per month is applied.