

Can Alcohol Show Up In A Urine Test?

New York City Announces New Law Prohibiting Testing for Marijuana
Weed Breathalyzer Could Be The Device Of The Future!

How Far Can A Urine Test Detect Drugs?

Can you fail a drug test for alcohol?
Can You Fail a Drug Test For Alcohol?
The plain and simple answer is yes. If a particular drug testing panel contains alcohol as a marker, it is possible you may fail a drug test for alcohol. Oftentimes employers and individual’s think of drugs and alcohol as one in the same. In fact, both substances have the ability to cause impairment of a person’s mental, physical abilities, cause long-term health issues, and can foster unsafe situations.
Due to the abuse of alcohol and its long-term impact on public safety, society, addiction and health problems, it is common for employers to establish a drug-free workplace testing program that includes both drug and alcohol testing.
Concerns regarding substance abuse and addiction concerns is sweeping the nation and various companies may choose to implement alcohol testing as a deterrent and promote safe and healthy working environments. For this reason, one common question many employers and employees have regarding workplace alcohol and drug tests is, “Does alcohol show up in a drug test?” Let’s find out .
Does Alcohol Show Up In a Drug Test?
As we take a deeper look at if alcohol will show up in a drug test, we find several options. It is important to note that a standard drug test does not test for alcohol. However, alcohol can be included in a drug test if specifically requested. Thus, if you’re interested in testing employees or individuals for both drugs and alcohol, simply consult with your drug testing provider to determine what type of program best meets your needs.
How Can An Employer Test For Alcohol In The Workplace?
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends testing at the very minimum of the 5 most commonly abused drugs: (amphetamines, THC, cocaine, opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP) as well as alcohol. As stated previously, a standard drug test does not evaluate the presence of alcohol in a person’s system, but many companies elect to include alcohol in their written drug-free workplace policy. The most common form of alcohol testing is a breath alcohol test; however, urine, saliva or hair testing options are available as well. In addition, with the current climate of the opioid epidemic, many companies are requesting their drug test include additional drugs beyond the standard five mentioned above (e.g., adding synthetic opioids and ecstasy).
Which Alcohol Test Is Right For Me?
Let’s dig a little deeper and determine if alcohol will show up in a drug test? If you plan to test for alcohol, it is important to understand the different testing methods available and the amount of time that alcohol is detectable in the human body.
In hair, alcohol is present for up to 90 days. In blood or oral fluid, it is present for 12-24 hours. Finally, in urine alcohol can be present for 6-80 hours (depending on the method used for testing).
The two most common ways an employer can test for the presence of alcohol are through breath and saliva tests:
Breath: This method is the most common method for alcohol testing in the workplace. Breathalyzer is the brand name of the original device and is the one of testing methods that provides a real time result and will measure impairment. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has established strict requirements for the devices used to perform breath alcohol tests. All devices used for DOT alcohol testing must be on the Conforming Products List of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. We recommend that employers or individuals only utilize devices that meet these high standards.
Saliva: This detection method detects the presence of ethanol, a by-product of beer, wine, and spirits. Although slightly more expensive than urine tests, saliva tests are easy to perform and can also detect alcohol ingested within the past day or two.
Finally, blood, hair and urine tests are most often used in forensic, legal and civil testing but infrequently in the workplace.
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Dallas Authorities Seize Hundreds Pounds of Drugs
Authorities In Dallas Texas Seize Hundreds of Pounds of Methamphetamine and Cocaine
March 4, 2016
Authorities in the Dallas-Fort Worth Texas area have been busy recently, taking more than 50 people into custody on methamphetamine distribution conspiracy charges. Several members of the methamphetamine drug ring were sentenced in December after being arrested for their crimes that date back to 2013.
A surgence of methamphetamine plagued the Dallas-fort Worth area dating back to 2013. Methamphetamine has become a real problem in the area because of its proximity to Mexico. Federal authorities are still apprehending suspects to try and keep the illegal drugs off the streets.
Methamphetamine, also known as meth, crystal meth, crystal, and ice, is an incredibly addictive stimulant closely related to amphetamine. Meth alters the dopamine levels in the mind that gives users a euphoric rush feeling that builds dependency, and easily becomes addictive. Chronic use can lead to substantial brain damage. Meth can be easily detected in a 5-panel drug screening.
Most the methamphetamines distributed in the United States are manufactured in labs in Mexico. These “superlabs” are usually linked to the Mexican drug cartels, that are responsible for heinous crimes across North America. Most ingredients made to use meth are inexpensive and can be bought over the counter, making its accessibility incredibly easy. The levels of toxicity from the production of methamphetamines can remain in the environment for a long time, causing health issues for those around the area.
Pharmacies and other retail stores are taking action to prevent abuse of the ingredients used to make methamphetamine, by limiting supplies of products known to make meth. Lawmakers are also taking action against distributors with increased prison sentencing ranging from 10 to 30, or even more years of incarceration.
Due to Dallas-Fort Worth’s proximity to Mexico, authorities have seen an increased amount of methamphetamine related issues.
With drug and alcohol testing centers throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Accredited Drug Testing Inc. is available to answer all of your drug and alcohol testing questions and needs. For more information contact:
Andrew Gormally
Marketing/Industry Relations Assistant
Andrew@accredtiteddrugtesting.com
https://accrediteddrugtesting.net/
(800) 221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing Inc
Health Screening USA Inc
Related Article: http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2015/12/08/methamphetamine-distribution-conspirators-from-dfw-sentenced/
Problems Quitting Smoking? Drinking May Be to Blame
Having Problems Quitting Smoking? Heavy Drinking May Be The Reason.
5/4/16
A small study of Polish men revealed that people that are alcohol dependent process nicotine in their bodies quickly, making it harder for them to quit.
In 2011 and 2012, the researchers studied 22 white male smokers at an inpatient alcohol addiction treatment center in Poland. They analyzed participants’ urine samples to gauge nicotine levels and metabolism at one, four and seven weeks after detoxing from alcohol.
“We didn’t measure what was happening when people were drinking, but after they stopped, their elevated rate of nicotine metabolism slowly subsided,” said lead author Noah R. Gubner of the Center for tobacco Control Research and Education at the University of California, San Francisco.
“When nicotine metabolism is higher, people tend to have a harder time quitting smoking,” Gubner stated. The speed of nicotine processing declined by about half over the seven-week period, even though the men did not change how many cigarettes they were smoking per day.
The results might be useful for helping recovering alcoholics quit smoking, they add. More research is needed to know if nicotine replacement therapy is more effective after people stop heavy drinking, however. The researchers write in Drug and Alcohol Dependence that heavy alcohol use may trigger the enzyme in the body primarily responsible for metabolizing nicotine. And faster nicotine processing could explain the poor rates of quitting smoking among people who are alcohol dependent.
Quitting alcohol and quitting smoking are complicated undertakings, and nicotine and alcohol could have some synergistic effects on reward and pleasure, Gubner said. Also, heavy drinking can affect decision-making, including the decision to smoke less or not at all.
With drug and alcohol testing centers throughout the entire state of United States, Accredited Drug Testing Inc. is available to answer all of your drug and alcohol testing questions and needs. For more information contact:
Andrew Gormally
Marketing/Industry Relations Assistant
Andrew@accredtiteddrugtesting.com
https://accrediteddrugtesting.net/
(800) 221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing Inc
Health Screening USA Inc
Methamphetamine Drug Use On The Rise
Methamphetamine Drug Use On The Rise
Nov 8 2016
Billings Montana – Methamphetamines (Meth) has overtaken marijuana as the most common drug found in addition to alcohol in DUI samples sent to the state crime lab this past year.
Meth has also been detected more frequently in other types cases handled by Crime lab’s toxicology division, per a summary report from the Montana Department of Justice’s Forensic Science Division.
“I think that’s the real take-home of this summary, is the massive increase in methamphetamine,” said Scott Larson, toxicology supervisor at the crime lab.
Even after the spike in Methamphetamine positive results, alcohol remains the most frequent substance found in DUI toxicology cases.
For example, in 2015, alcohol was the only substance detected in 2,277 out of 3,380 total DUI cases tested calendar year.
The lab had 294 DUI cases involving meth, and the drug concentration of the samples screened increased 123 percent. These numbers are up from 2011, when state toxicologists administered 73 DUI samples that tested positive for meth.
These results illustrate that Marijuana used to be the most common substance after alcohol discovered in DUI blood tests. However, in 2015, meth became more prevalent in DUI blood tests, as per the lab.
The toxicology division of the state crime lab in Missoula also performs postmortem drug screens for medical examiners and examines drug and alcohol test results for cases that involve drug-endangered children. The lab also examines urine tests for the Department of Corrections on inmates and individuals on probation.
The lab analyses specimens for a variety of different drugs — such as marijuana, prescription narcotics, hallucinogens and inhalants. Over the years the overall number of positive drug findings has decreased.
DUIs continue to make up the largest caseload which account for more over half of the 6,139 cases handled in 2015. In most DUI test results, alcohol is the only substance present in the blood sample.
However, meth has increased in other test areas. One area includes postmortem drug screens, in 2011 the lab had 20 confirmed positive cases for meth but the rate has increased to 73 positive cases out of a total 801 cases in 2015.
The study also showed that Urine tests conducted on probationers and parolees have seen a dramatic spike in positive results in regards to meth.
For example, there were 1,192 urinalysis cases handled by the lab in 2015 and more than 550 turned up positive for meth. In 2011 there were fewer than 200 confirmed cases and no other drug has spiked so rapidly.
Amphetamines are classified as a stimulant and an appetite suppressant that targets the central nervous system by increasing the release of certain chemicals (“neurotransmitters”) in the brain.
Amphetamines are a Schedule II drug that can be prescribed for the treatment of narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Physical symptoms may include restlessness, tremors, rapid breathing, confusion, panic and seizures. Due to its high risk for potential for abuse and addiction, physicians prefer using other treatment methods. Common trade names of amphetamine-containing drugs are Adderall®, Dexedrine® and Vyvanse®.
Methamphetamine, often referred to as meth, crystal, crank and ice, is an extremely addictive stimulant drug. Meth can be taken orally, smoked, snorted, or dissolved in water or alcohol and injected.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, even small amounts of methamphetamine can cause increased physical activity, decreased appetite, increased respiration, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat and increased blood pressure.
Methamphetamine is also available by prescription for limited medical uses (treatment of obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) under the trade name of Desoyxn®.
For information regarding the effects of drug abuse – Click Here
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John Burgos, CPC
Business Development Manager
https://accrediteddrugtesting.net
(800) 221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing Inc
Health Screening USA Inc

Effects of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
What to expect when expecting-the effects of alcohol and drug abuse?
Using drugs or drinking alcohol any time in life but especially while pregnant can create several health issues for both the mother and unborn child.
Some examples are an increased risk of stillbirth and miscarriage which are just two of the harsher examples of the potential complications faced by pregnant women that may be already struggling with substance abuse.
Regardless of the negative consequences and all the research to substantiate theses harsh facts, many continue to use these harmful substances regardless. Here are some astonishing numbers to illustrate the ongoing issue:
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) from 2012-2013, approximately 10% of pregnant women in the U.S. reported drinking alcohol and, though much of it is done to manage other health conditions, it’s increasingly more common for women to continue using medications while carrying a child.
What are Side Effects of Taking Drugs While Pregnant
Alcohol
No matter how small the amount of alcohol consumed during pregnancy can cause a negative impact on the mother and unborn child. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism any amount of drinking is considered at risk alcohol use throughout pregnancy.
The consumption of alcohol may:
- Increase your risk of miscarriage and
- may result in several development issues in your child like fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) or
- Alcohol related birth defects
It is important that society understands that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, however, many pregnant women continue to consume at least some amount alcohol with the belief that a small number of drinks will be safe. This is not the case, in fact, half a million children are exposed to alcohol in utero each year.1
Cigarettes
Cigarettes contain harmful chemicals that can damage the health of the smoker and damage the brain of a developing fetus. The chemicals can limit the amount of oxygen being received by the fetus and the impact of nicotine on a developing baby is greater than the impact on the mother. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nicotine concentration is up to 15% higher in the baby’s blood than the mother’s.5
Exposing your unborn child to the tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke can also result in many health issues after birth, including:
- respiratory issues,
- cerebral palsy,
- problems with eyesight and
- possible issues with hearing.
Cocaine
The use of cocaine at any time is harmful but imagine the impact you are having on your unborn child. Women that use or abuse cocaine oftentimes have poor nutrition and inadequate prenatal care. Oftentimes, cocaine users tend to use the drug in combination with other substances such as alcohol, which makes it more difficult to determine precisely which substance is responsible for the harmful effects on the fetus.5
Heroin
Using heroin while pregnant, will increase the chance of bleeding, especially during your third trimester, as well as preeclampsia (severe high blood pressure).1 This will also place your unborn child at risk for premature birth, dangerously low birth weight, and possibly death. Illicit drug use of any kind, specially heroin will also significantly increase your baby’s risk of developing neonatal abstinence syndrome shortly after birth as well as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), commonly referred to as crib death.
Marijuana
Marijuana can be harmful and should be avoided when trying to conceive, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding.1,5 Although there is limited data on how marijuana can affect a developing fetus, several studies indicate that using marijuana may be associated with impaired fetal development, rare forms of cancer, premature birth, and low body weight at birth.
MDMA (Ecstasy)
Research has shown that fetal MDMA exposure during the first trimester may lead to long-term memory problems and impaired learning along with movement and coordination problems in the child.5 There have also been cases where babies exposed to MDMA while in utero developed cardiovascular anomalies and musculoskeletal problems.
Methamphetamines (Meth)
If a fetus is exposed to meth, this can results in long term health issues which may include, increased depression, anxiety, and social isolation have been reported in children exposed to meth in the womb.5 Some studies also suggest that meth use during pregnancy may be associated with congenital abnormalities, such as gastroschisis—a structural defect that can result in a baby being born with their intestines outside of the abdominal wall.
Painkillers
Expectant mothers should be cautious when taking these medication during pregnancy, even if these medications were prescribed by your physician. Opioids are commonly refereed to as painkillers can be harmful to your developing fetus. A fetus exposed to Opioid painkillers may be linked to excessive fluid in your baby’s brain, abdominal wall defects, glaucoma, and congenital heart defects.
Since many painkillers are chemically similar to heroin, the mother and child can experience many of the same risks. Children may be born with NAS, experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms after birth
For more information call us today at (800)-224-4291 or to click the blue button below schedule a Drug or Alcohol Test Today!
References:
- Forray, A. (2016). Substance use during pregnancy. F1000Research, 5(F1000 Faculty Rev), 887.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). Results from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of National Findings.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Medications and Pregnancy: Treating for Two.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2013). Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs, and Pregnancy.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016). Substance Use in Women.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2012). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016). DrugFacts: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015). Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment.