Question 1

What is Substance Abuse?

Accepted Answer

Substance abuse is the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances including alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription medications. It is caused by repeated exposure to addictive substances that alter brain chemistry, creating physical and psychological dependence. The Dextro/Levo Methorphan LC/MS/MS Urine test is the most important test for detecting dextromethorphan abuse from cough suppressant medications.

Question 2

What causes substance abuse?

Accepted Answer

Substance abuse is caused by repeated exposure to psychoactive substances like alcohol, opioids, stimulants, benzodiazepines, and over-the-counter medications like dextromethorphan that alter brain chemistry. These substances hijack the brain's reward system by flooding it with dopamine, creating powerful cravings and compulsive drug-seeking behavior. Over time, the brain adapts to the presence of these substances, leading to tolerance, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms when use stops, making it increasingly difficult to quit without professional help.

Question 3

What is the best test for substance abuse?

Accepted Answer

The Dextro/Levo Methorphan LC/MS/MS Urine test is the most important test for detecting abuse of dextromethorphan-containing cough medications because it uses advanced mass spectrometry to identify elevated levels of both dextro and levo methorphan metabolites in urine. This specialized test is essential for identifying people who are misusing over-the-counter cough suppressants for their dissociative and hallucinogenic effects. Comprehensive drug screening panels that test for multiple substance classes including opioids, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine, and cannabinoids are also valuable for monitoring substance use in treatment programs and detecting polysubstance abuse patterns.

Question 4

When should I get tested for substance abuse?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you are entering a substance abuse treatment program, participating in addiction recovery monitoring, or have concerns about misuse of prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs like cough suppressants. Testing is also important if you are experiencing unexplained behavioral changes, cognitive impairment, or physical symptoms that might indicate drug use. Many employers, healthcare providers, and legal systems require regular substance abuse testing to ensure compliance with treatment plans and safety protocols.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of substance abuse?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of substance abuse include physical signs like bloodshot eyes, sudden weight changes, poor coordination, slurred speech, and unusual body odors. Behavioral symptoms include withdrawal from family and friends, abandoning hobbies, declining work or school performance, secretive behavior, and financial problems. You might also notice psychological changes like mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, paranoia, or periods of unusual hyperactivity or lethargy depending on the substance being abused.

Question 6

Who is at risk for substance abuse?

Accepted Answer

People with family history of addiction, mental health disorders like depression or anxiety, history of trauma or abuse, and chronic pain conditions are at higher risk for substance abuse. Teenagers and young adults face increased risk due to peer pressure and brain development factors. Environmental factors like easy access to drugs, stressful life circumstances, lack of family support, and living in communities with high drug availability also increase vulnerability to developing substance use disorders.

Question 7

What happens if substance abuse is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated substance abuse leads to severe physical health consequences including liver damage, cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, infectious diseases like hepatitis and HIV, and increased risk of overdose death. Mental health deteriorates with worsening depression, anxiety, psychosis, and cognitive impairment. Relationships fracture, employment is lost, and legal problems accumulate. Long-term substance abuse permanently alters brain structure and function, making recovery increasingly difficult and increasing the likelihood of developing chronic, relapsing addiction that affects every aspect of life.

Question 8

Can substance abuse be diagnosed with a drug test?

Accepted Answer

Drug tests detect the presence of specific substances or their metabolites in urine, blood, saliva, or hair, but they do not diagnose substance abuse disorder by themselves. Substance abuse disorder is a clinical diagnosis made by healthcare professionals based on behavioral patterns, psychological assessment, and criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. However, laboratory testing plays a crucial supporting role by objectively confirming substance use, monitoring treatment compliance, detecting relapse, and providing evidence that supports the clinical diagnosis and guides treatment decisions.

Question 9

How is substance abuse treated?

Accepted Answer

Substance abuse is treated through comprehensive programs that combine medical detoxification to safely manage withdrawal symptoms, behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing, and medications that reduce cravings and prevent relapse. Treatment may occur in inpatient rehabilitation facilities for severe cases or outpatient programs for less severe addiction. Ongoing support through 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, individual counseling, group therapy, and family therapy helps maintain long-term recovery. Treatment plans are individualized based on the specific substances used, severity of addiction, and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Question 10

How can I prevent substance abuse?

Accepted Answer

Prevention starts with education about the risks of drug and alcohol use, developing healthy coping strategies for stress and emotional problems, and building strong support networks with family and friends. Avoid situations where drugs and alcohol are prevalent, and seek immediate help for mental health issues like depression or anxiety rather than self-medicating. If prescribed potentially addictive medications like opioids or benzodiazepines, take them exactly as directed, store them securely, and dispose of unused medications properly. Parents should maintain open communication with children about substance use and model healthy behaviors.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support recovery from substance abuse?

Accepted Answer

Create a stable, drug-free home environment by removing all substances and avoiding people or situations that trigger cravings. Establish a structured daily routine with regular sleep, nutritious meals, and physical exercise to help restore physical and mental health. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or journaling to manage emotions without substances. Stay connected with your support network through recovery meetings, therapy appointments, and sober friends who encourage your progress. However, home strategies must supplement professional treatment, not replace it, as substance abuse requires comprehensive medical and psychological care for successful long-term recovery.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Substance Abuse Drug Testing

What is Substance Abuse?

What causes substance abuse?

What is the best test for substance abuse?

When should I get tested for substance abuse?

References

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