The Importance of Drug Testing

There are many contexts in which drug testing may be necessary. These may include employment, organized sports, and medication management. In addition, doctors may suggest drug testing for patients suffering from substance use disorders. In some instances, drug testing of minors may be legal. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against drug testing of minors without consent. For those with legal concerns about drug testing, they should discuss the matter with their doctor. For a comprehensive understanding of drug testing, read on. Read and know what shows up on a 12 panel drug test after testing.

 

Addiction drug testing guidelines from the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) provide guidelines for the appropriate use of the test in the treatment of addiction. This guideline focuses on identifying patients with addiction or risk of addiction and recommending appropriate drug treatments based on evidence from the literature. Although the guidelines primarily focus on addiction treatment, they acknowledge that drug testing is used in many other settings. For example, alcohol abuse is frequently a symptom of depression, and substance use is a sign of mental illness.

 

Some cases call for periodic screenings to assess the risk of substance use. Professional athletes, for instance, may be tested for performance-enhancing drugs like steroids to build muscle. Drug testing may also be required as part of a court case or criminal investigation. Similarly, drug testing may be required to monitor misuse of prescription medications. This includes prescription drugs and other addictive substances. Testing can be scheduled in advance or performed randomly without notice. A patient's acuity and the level of care that they receive will determine the frequency of tests.

 

Pre-employment drug testing helps employers make better hiring decisions and protects both employers and employees. According to a recent study, the cost of workplace drug abuse in safety-sensitive industries is significantly higher than in other sectors. Therefore, drug testing is an important and necessary part of any safety-sensitive environment. And as a result, it can prevent a number of costly workers' compensation claims. And what's more, drug testing programs help employers avoid lawsuits by preventing substance abuse.

 

Drug tests can lead to false negative results if there are substances present in the applicant's body. Those substances may show up in the results, and if they are present, this could affect the person's eligibility for employment, sports participation, or legal matters. Therefore, if you suspect that you're abusing drugs, contact a healthcare provider for further guidance. You should always follow all instructions carefully and discuss the results with a health care provider. Check the infographic about drug testing here.

 

Typically, drug testing should take place at least five years in healthcare settings. However, the frequency of drug tests should depend on the severity of the addiction. Patients in treatment for substance use disorders should undergo periodic Recovery Management Checkups with drug testing as a component. If positive drug tests are detected, the patient should be evaluated immediately and treatment intensified. If not, it is a good sign that the treatment has been effective. It's always best to seek out the most appropriate treatment option for each individual.

To read about drug tests, check this link out: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_test.