Using Drug Testing to Monitor and Control Substance Misuse

“Drug taking is an almost universal phenomenon and, statistically, those that are not taking drugs are abnormal”.

Most people would like to disagree, but when you break it down, the above statement is remarkably accurate. How so? Well, a drug is defined as any substance that is used to modify a chemical process or processes in the body. In that respect, pretty much whatever we consume (or allow to enter our bodies) can be considered drugs.

Still need convincing? Well how about a quick can of Red Bull to ‘give you wings’, or some paracetamol to help soften the aftermath of last night’s antics? And the list goes on - tea, coffee, prescription medication, non-prescription medication, alcohol, recreational (illegal) drugs and even chocolate.

When you stop to think about it, mankind has throughout history used, in some way or form, a number of different types of drugs, whether naturally occurring or synthetically produced, to alter their state of being, either physically or mentally.

So, if drugs and drug takers are part of our everyday life, wherein lies the problem?

Well, any substance, whether considered a ‘good’ substance (e.g. pain relief medication or coffee) or a ‘bad’ substance (e.g. cannabis or heroin) is dangerous if abused, not only for the individual concerned but also for people in close proximity, in particular young dependants, as well as the community as a whole. To that end there have been a number of laws implemented within the UK, which control the manufacture and supply of medicinal drugs (Medicines Act 1968) and also prevent the misuse of non-medicinal/ illegal drugs (Misuse of Drugs act 1971).

In the UK today, recent figures published by the Office of National Statistics suggest a conservative figure of 320,000 known problem drug users, in addition to the 1.8 million adults who drink at harmful levels, with numbers increasing yearly. The financial cost of dealing with substance misuse, in terms of the NHS, loss of productivity at work and policing, is estimated at £30 billion a year. All these factors have led to changes in policy and a more proactive approach towards treatment and rehabilitation for those affected.

However, before any form of treatment can begin, it is important to ascertain exactly what substance or substances are being misused, at what levels and over what time period. This is now possible, due to advances in analytical science.

Drugs, chemicals and biological substances, when ingested, smoked or otherwise permitted entry into the body, enter the bloodstream and are converted into specific metabolites. These metabolites, some of which are incorporated into keratinised matrices - hair and nails - circulate throughout the body before being excreted via urine or sweat. Upon analysis, if the appropriate metabolites are present in a given sample, then evidence of drug misuse can be concluded.

The choice of sample analysed will depend upon what you would like to show, as each type of drug test has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, if you wanted to establish that a drug was consumed recently, within the last few days, then urine or blood analysis would be the best choice of sample, as the window of detection is, depending on the drug, between 3 and 6 days. However, if chronic misuse or a pattern of substance abuse needs to be established, then a hair drug test would be the best type of test to use. Of course other factors such as the possibility of adulteration of the sample, storage of the sample, ease of collection and expense should all be taken into consideration.

To some extent, the accuracy and sophistication of drug testing techniques has overtaken the public’s acceptance of its use. Society does not, at present, endorse widespread drug screening programmes. However, in those situations where it has been deemed acceptable to carry out drug screening - prisons, the military and industries such as aviation - it has proved an effective means not only of detecting substance misuse, but also of monitoring and supporting drug rehabilitation programmes.

Article Source: http://www.rightarticle.com

Peter Wood is Business Development Manager of Eurofins, which provides accredited UK drug tests. Of the types of drug test currently available, the hair drug tests offered by Eurofins provide the most accurate evidence of long-term drug misuse.

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