10 Most Common Drugs of Abuse Tested
10 Most Common Drugs Tested
A multi-drug test is an immunochromatographic assay for rapid, qualitative detection of drugs and their principal metabolites in urine at specified cut-off concentrations. The ten (10) most commonly tested drugs and their cut-off concentration are as follows:
· Amphetamine (AMP) – 1,000ng/ml
· Barbiturates (BAR) – 300ng/ml
· Benzodiazepine (BDZ) – 300ng/ml
· Cocaine (COC) – 300ng/ml
· Marijuana (THC) – 50ng/ml
· Methadone (MTD) – 300ng/ml
· Methamphetamine (mAMP) – 1,000ng/ml
· Methylenedioxymethamphetamine- (MDMA) – 500ng/ml
· Opiates (OPI) – 2,000ng/ml
· Tricyclic Anti-Depressants (TCA) – 1,000ng/ml
Amphetamines are stimulants that accelerate functions in the brain and body. It is either swallowed, inhaled or injected and is also known by its street names such as speed, uppers, dexies or bennies. This type of drug is psychologically addictive and users who stop experience various mood problems such as aggression and anxiety. The effects of the drug usually last for 24 hours following use and stays in the system for 2 to 6 days.
Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants which are used therapeutically as sedatives, hypnotics and anticonvulsants. The effects resemble that of alcohol intoxication. Short-acting barbiturates at a dosage of 400 mg/day for 2 to 3 months are able to produce a clinically significant degree of physical dependence. The drug stays in the system foe about 3-8 days.
Benzodiazepines are usually prescribed for the symptomatic treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders. It is also used as sedatives before some surgical and medical procedure. Detection period for the drug in the urine is 3 to 7 days.
Cocaine is a potent central nervous system stimulant and a local anesthetic. It can bring about extreme energy and restlessness which can gradually result into tremors, over-sensitivity and spasms. It can generally be detected from 24 to 40 hours after use.
Marijuana has tetrahydrocannabinol as its primary active ingredient. It produces euphoric effects but long term use is associated with behavioral disorders. Elevated levels of urinary metabolites are found within hours of exposure and remain detectable for 3 to 10 days after smoking.
Methadone is a narcotic analgesic prescribed for the management of pain as well as for the treatment of opiate dependence. When the drug is taken for periods and at large doses, a very long withdrawal period follows. The substitution and phased removal of the drug is an acceptable method of detoxification. The drug stays in the system f0r 2-8 days.
Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant that strongly activates certain systems in the brain. Although it is closely related to amphetamine, its effects are far greater. Its effects generally last for 24 hours and the drug is detectable in the urine for 3 to 5 days.
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine is a designer drug first synthesized for the treatment of obesity. Its adverse effects include muscle tension and sweating, while having the capacity to increase blood pressure and heart rate. Its street names include XTC, X, Adam, 5 and Roll.
Opiates are used to treat severe acute pain and chronic pain. It can be administered by mouth or through intravenous or intramuscular injection. Taking too much of this drug can result to a dangerous slowing of breathing or even coma. It stays in the body system for about 2 to 5 days.
Tricyclic Anti-depressants are commonly used for the treatment of depressive disorders. Overdose from this type of drug is the most common cause of death from prescription drug. It stays in the body system for about 10 days.
