Drug Abuse Testing
Drug abuse testing is
a way of determining if a person is under the
influence of any drug. There are many methods of
carrying out drug tests. Law enforcement officers,
sports officials and school authorities carry out drug
abuse tests.
Drug abuse can be
detected by monitoring behavioral changes. These
changes range from mood swings to a feeling of low
self-esteem. A general lack of interest, a drop in
grades and withdrawal from family members are
noticeable in youngsters that are victims of drug
abuse. Frequent absenteeism from school and changes in
style of dressing or taste in music are also symptoms
of drug abuse. For drug abusers at a work place, a
decrease in their productivity is most noticeable.
The procedure for
a drug abuse test is a two-step process. A urine
sample is taken from the individual and divided in two
parts. One part is tested using immunoassay, a
relatively simple, inexpensive, yet highly accurate
test. If this test is negative, then the result is
declared to be negative, and more tests are carried
out. But if the result of the first test turns out to
be positive, then a second test is conducted using the
other part of the sample.
This second or
confirmatory test is performed using a more
sophisticated and more expensive technique known
as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) or
thin-layer chromatography (TLC). If this test too
shows positive, then the person tested is declared to
be under the influence of drugs. If this test shows
negative, the earlier test is deemed inaccurate. As
this virtually a 100% accurate process, the results
can be upheld in a court of law.
There are also many
drug abuse test kits available. The saliva and urine
drug test can now be conducted using strips and
integrated cups. The result of this test can be
obtained in a matter of minutes. Schools conduct thee
tests in order to keep a check on drug abuse in
children and young adults, as they are highly
impressionable and more susceptible to drug abuse.
Drug Abuse Solutions
Drug abuse today is
a major cause for concern and has a negative effect on
society at large. Though students constitute a large
segment of drug abusers, adults also succumb to drug
abuse. There is a tendency amongst middle-aged people
to abuse prescription drugs.
The first step
towards combating drug addiction is to make the abuser
aware of the damage it causes the body. Most addicts
lack confidence and must be taught to become a master
of the situation and not a slave to addiction.
There are many
institutions and organizations that help drug abusers
kick the habit. The support of friends and family is
of prime importance. First and foremost, an abuser
must be committed to giving up drugs. Doctors and
counselors are a drug abusers greatest ally in the
battle against addiction.
People who realize
they have to quit this dangerous habit may be too
embarrassed or afraid to confide in anyone. They might
even be worried that they will land into trouble if
they admit to having this problem. Abusers must talk
to anyone they trust.
Drug abuse solutions
can be viewed from many perspectives. On a national
level, solutions are based and discussed in terms of
the reduction in supply of drugs. From a social
perspective, solutions are usually discussed in terms
of prevention, early intervention and treatment.
Prevention is better
than cure. This adage holds good in fighting drug
abuse too. Public education campaigns and stricter
laws regarding purchase and use of legal substances
are measures that have been adopted by states in the
USA.
Many States have
created coalitions of community and business leaders
to address the problem of substance abuse. These
groups run community-based programs that provide
mentoring, tutoring, alternative activities, and life
skills development for youth in drug-impacted
neighborhoods.
Jennifer Bailey |