5 Common Ways to Test for Drugs and Alcohol

Alcohol and drug testing is a way of determining whether a person has been consuming alcohol or using drugs. Drug and alcohol testing is performed before sports for athletes, for forensic investigation, and before employment. There are different methods of determining whether a person has been using drugs. In addition, you can use drug testing kits at home or go for professional tests performed by a doctor. This article will give you a detailed explanation of the five common ways to test for drugs and alcohol. So, let’s dive into it. 

Urine Test

This test shows whether a person has been using drugs or drinking alcohol in the past 30 days. Your urine sample is taken to the lab and checked for metabolites. The lab technician can also use your antigen-antibody complexes to detect any drug substance. For example, the test can show the presence of the following drugs: cocaine, cannabis, alcohol, opiates, and amphetamines. 

A urine test has become one of the most common ways of checking for drug use because it can show multiple drugs you’ve used present in your system. However, there have been complications with this method as you can swap your urine with another person’s to show that you’ve abstained from substance use: while that is not the case. 

Blood Test

A blood test shows the most accurate results of drug and alcohol use. This method measures breakdown products or the metabolites in your blood to show the presence of drugs or alcohol. 

The good thing with this procedure is that it can detect drug use up to 14 days after ingestion and show alcohol use 24 hours after drinking. On the flip side, this procedure is invasive as the lab technician has to use a needle to collect the blood sample. Not many people are comfortable with this. 

Hair Test

Hair testing, also called hair follicle testing, is an effective method of determining alcohol and drug use. This is because it is challenging to eliminate drugs and alcohol from your hair. In addition, drug and alcohol residue is left on one’s hair for months after use. Therefore, it can be an effective method of knowing how long a person has been abusing drugs. The lab technician will measure the hair follicle to determine the period of drug usage. 

Saliva Test

Another method of testing for drug and alcohol use is through saliva. Although it is less invasive than a blood test, it is only effective when checking for recent drug use. For instance, a saliva test can show the presence of cannabis if you had used the drug 10 hours ago. Past that duration, the saliva test will not show any cannabis in your saliva. 

Breath Test

A breath test is used to show the amount of alcohol present in your bloodstream. This is by using a device that the person blows through to show the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BCA). The alcohol testing device is known as a breathalyzer. Traffic police usually use a breathalyzer whenever they suspect a person is driving while drunk. When the Blood Alcohol Concentration number passes a specific value, the individual is not fit to operate a vehicle. 

Conclusion

A drug test can be crucial in saving the life of the intoxicated person or the lives of others. This is why different tests are performed to determine whether a person is free from drug and alcohol use. Drug tests can also ensure fair play in sports and prevent accidents caused by drug use. So the next time you hear a drug test will be conducted, expect any of the five methods explained above.