Drug Abuse and Dependence
Alternate Names : Addiction - Drug, Drug Addiction
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Drug Abuse and Dependence: Diagnosis & Tests
Toxicology screens (drug testing) done on blood and urine specimens can reveal the presence of many chemicals and drugs in the body. The sensitivity depends upon the substance itself, when the substance was taken, and the testing laboratory. Blood tests are more likely to detect the presence of an abused substance than urine tests, however, urine drug screens are more frequently done.
Opiates and narcotics are usually present in the urine 12 to 36 hours after the last use, depending on the amount used and the frequency.
CNS stimulants such as cocaine can be detected in urine anywhere between 1 to 12 days, again depending in frequency of use.
CNS depressants such as Valium and Xanax are detected up to 7 days after the last day of use, mostly depending on the substance used and how quickly it is eliminated by the body (half-life).
Most hallucinogens are also detectable in the urine up to 7 days after the last use. However, cannabis can be detected up to 28 days in regular users.
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