The Effects of Recreational Drugs

If you or someone you know may be harming themselves by recreational drug use, Any Lab Test Now® can help provide the answers you are seeking through a number of crucial lab tests. This is a judgment-free zone. We provide the lab testing; you own the results and can use them as you choose.

Drug Usage on the Rise

Many of our clients are concerned parents looking out for their child’s health and welfare. If you find yourself in that position, rest assured you are not alone. There is a rise in the number of school-aged youth using recreational drugs. This information is based on a 48-year study conducted by a group called Monitoring the Future, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health. It surveys children in the 8th, 10th, and 12th grades.

The most recent survey found that adolescents most commonly reported the use of alcohol, nicotine vaping, and cannabis in the past year. The study goes on to report that illicit drug use like cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, and nonmedical use of prescription drugs has stayed stable, although those numbers are still concerning.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most commonly used recreational drugs:

Marijuana/Cannabis – When smoked or ingested, the “high” is created by THC, which provides a feeling of relaxation. There is a growing usage of edibles made with cannabis in the form of baked goods or gummies. From a recent article from U.S. News and World Report, there are now 22 states, along with Washington D.C. and Guam, that have legalized recreational marijuana.

Cocaine – This drug is a stimulant that can be injected into the bloodstream, snorted in a powder form, or inhaled as crack cocaine. It creates a feeling of energy and alertness.

Adderall – is a prescription drug used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is considered a Schedule II drug by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), which means it has a “high potential for abuse or dependence.” When used outside of its intended usage, it provides energy, intensifies mood, and promotes weight loss.

What to Look Out For

If you are worried someone you love is abusing substances, here are some symptoms the Mayo Clinic says to look out for:

Not attending as many social or recreational activities.

Having problems at school or work, like being absent, losing interest, or a noticeable change in performance.

Loss of energy, weight loss or gain, or red eyes.

Not caring about appearance.

Behaving oddly, lying about going out, being secretive.

Missing money or items that may be used to purchase drugs.

Added Concerns About Drug Use

What is especially unsettling about illicit drug use is the disturbing and often deadly trend of drugs laced with fentanyl. The National Institute on Drug Abuse describes fentanyl as a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. A recent report from the White House sounds an alarm about a new potentially fatal combination of fentanyl combined with xylazine — an animal tranquilizer.

Getting Answers with Our Help

If you are someone using recreational drugs or if you are a parent reading this not knowing your next step, Any Lab Test Now® can help.

The 5 PANEL RAPID DRUG SCREEN is a urine test used to qualitatively identify the presence or absence of different classes of commonly abused or misused drugs or their metabolites. This test is only to be used for drug screening purposes. On average, most drugs are detectable in urine for approximately three days after the most recent use or exposure. Only a confirmed positive result for a drug or drug metabolite can be considered evidence of use or exposure in that time period.

Long Term Effects on the Body

While toxins from drugs will affect every part of the body, it’s important to understand that everything that goes into the body will exit via your liver and kidneys. Therefore, monitoring kidney and liver functions is very important. If you are or have been a recreational drug user, or you are a parent concerned about your child’s health because of suspected drug use, Any Lab Test Now® has two tests to help determine any health effects as a result of recreational drug use.

HEPATIC FUNCTION PANEL This is the liver function panel that measures the blood levels of seven tests to check and see how well the liver is working and may be an indicator for liver disease or liver damage. Those having blood work done are asked to fast for 10 to 12 hours prior to blood testing. Results are typically available between 24 to 72 business hours after lab testing is done.

RENAL FUNCTION PANEL This panel looks at the health of the kidneys. Waste products can accumulate in the blood, which can damage the body and be potentially life-threatening. This blood test is recommended to either help diagnose or manage conditions affecting kidney function. It could also be a screening tool for someone who is at risk of developing kidney disease or to follow someone with known kidney disease. Those being tested are asked to fast for at least eight hours prior to the blood draw.

Confidentiality

We understand that being tested yourself or testing your child for recreational drug use or potential health effects of drug use is a sensitive issue. We provide the utmost care and discretion with these matters and adhere to strict HIPAA regulations.

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Partner in Health

For parents reading this or adults with a recreational drug issue, we want you to be aware of the effects of drugs on the body so that you can take the best care of yourself or a loved one. The first step is to obtain answers by coming to Any Lab Test Now®for tangible results. We are a lab testing center providing the lab tests you need for answers to your health concerns and optimum wellness. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

The Facts About Fentanyl

You may be hearing a lot in the news lately about a drug called fentanyl. It is being talked about because it is a big part of the growing opioid epidemic, and it is the deadliest drug threat facing this country, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. An alarming new finding is that drug poisonings have become the leading killer of Americans between the ages of 18 and 45.

Keep reading because it’s important to be educated about fentanyl. This information may be lifesaving for you or a loved one.

Prescription Fentanyl

First, a little background. Pharmaceutical fentanyl was created in the 1950s as a synthetic opioid for pain management for patients experiencing extreme pain like cancer or post-surgery. It is effective because it is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is typically prescribed in the form of skin patches or lozenges, but fentanyl comes in many forms, including a powder or liquid like nasal sprays. With appropriate use as prescribed by a provider, fentanyl is safe and effective for pain relief.

Illegal Fentanyl

The problem is the illicit use of fentanyl. The CDC says the most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and death in the United States are linked to illegally made fentanyl.

Because of its pain-relieving properties, it creates a relaxation sensation, making it highly addictive and a good candidate for illicit drug use. That’s the concern. According to the CDC, powdered fentanyl looks just like many other drugs. It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and made into pills resembling other prescription opioids. Fentanyl-laced drugs are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs are infused with fentanyl. When it’s cut into other drugs, there’s no telling how much fentanyl is in the mix.

The problem is the potency. When fentanyl is mixed with illicit drugs on the street, the immeasurable amounts of fentanyl can be deadly. Reports indicate that just two milligrams of fentanyl, which is equal to 10 to 15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose. The relaxation properties of fentanyl slow the heart rate until it stops beating. That’s why officials say If you encounter fentanyl in any form, do not handle it and call 911 immediately. It’s just that dangerous.

Drug Overdoses with Fentanyl

According to the latest provisional data supplied by the CDC, annual drug overdose deaths have jumped 44% from before the COVID-19 pandemic, and fentanyl takes a big part of the blame.

In 2020 there were 76,000 deaths reported in a 12-month period here in the U.S.
In 2022 there are now 109,000 people that died of a drug overdose in that same 12-month period.

Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, were involved in more than two-thirds of overdose deaths in the year ending March 2022. Deaths involving synthetic opioids increased by a staggering 80% over the past two years.

Concerns about Rainbow Fentanyl

There is a new product of concern called rainbow fentanyl, which is manufactured illegally. It features bright colors and gives the appearance of candy. The purpose is to target young people and get them addicted to this powerful and deadly opioid. The concern is so great, in fact, that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration released a warning about the growing and alarming trend building throughout the country. In August of this year, the DEA reported that it and its law enforcement partners seized the brightly colored fentanyl and fentanyl pills across 18 states. The fentanyl is believed to be coming into the U.S. from two different Mexican drug cartels.

Any Lab Test Now® Can Provide Answers

Fentanyl is addictive and deadly. If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, Any Lab Test Now® can assist with a variety of drug test screenings that can provide the answers you are looking for. These tests are recommended for those concerned about suspected abuse or misuse of specified drugs by a friend or family member, including teenagers. Individuals who think they may have been unknowingly given a drug should also consider these tests.

ADVANCED DRUG TEST PANEL WITH EXPANDED OPIATES AND FENTANYL

This lab-based test will identify recent use of the following:

Heroin
Amphetamines
Barbiturates
Benzodiazepines
Cocaine
Opiates (Expanded)
Fentanyl
Marijuana
Ecstasy
Methadone
PCP
Propoxyphene

FOURTEEN (14) PANEL DRUG SCREEN, INCLUDING FENTANYL, K2 ALCOHOL (ORAL FLUID)

Using a standard oral fluid sample collected, we offer rapid screening for fentanyl in oral fluid as part of a broader panel that includes 14 classes of commonly abused and misused drugs or their metabolites. Fentanyl use can be detected in oral fluid for up to 36 hours after exposure. A positive result for fentanyl is considered suggestive of use in that timeframe.

This rapid test is intended for the qualitative detection of the following:

Amphetamines
Barbiturates
Benzodiazepines
Buprenorphine
Cocaine
Opiates
Fentanyl
K2 (Spice)
Marijuana
Methadone
Oxycodone
PCP
Alcohol

TWELVE (12) PANEL RAPID DRUG SCREEN, INCLUDING FENTANYL

This panel uses a standard urine sample offering rapid screening for fentanyl as part of a broader panel that includes 12 classes of commonly abused and misused drugs or their metabolites. Fentanyl use can be detected in urine for up to 72 hours after exposure. A positive result for fentanyl is considered suggestive of use in that timeframe.

This rapid test is intended for the qualitative detection of the following:

Amphetamines
Barbiturates
Benzodiazepines
Buprenorphine
Cocaine
Opiates
Fentanyl
Marijuana
Ecstasy
Methadone
Oxycodone

You can Depend on Any Lab Test Now®

Any Lab Test Now® is a resource you can use for your family’s health and wellness. The lab tests we provide are confidential, affordable, and convenient. You own the results, and you choose how to proceed with them.

Any Lab Test Now® can help by providing the lab tests you need to get the answers you need. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

Employer Drug Testing

Drug Testing Improves Productivity, Cuts Costs

Evolving drug laws, coupled with record-low unemployment rates, makes navigating drug testing a challenge for many employers.

Nearly 21 million Americans abuse drugs, prescription medication and alcohol, according to the National Safety Council, the nation’s leading safety advocate. Seventy-five percent of people struggling with addiction to alcohol, pain medication, marijuana and other substances are employed. The National Institutes of Health reports that drug abuse costs the U.S. economy $246 billion in decreased productivity, turnover and absenteeism, as well as medical costs and increased accidents, according to the Drug & Alcohol Testing Industry Association, or DATIA. The construction, hospitality and foodservice industries have two times the number of employees with substance abuse problems, the NSC reports.

Making the decision to include pre-employment drug testing should not be taken lightly. Having a written policy about employee use of alcohol and drugs is key to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. Administrator training, and review of the policy by a lawyer, are also important to prevent employer liability.

Here are just a few reasons to include human resources policies to prevent drug abuse.

Maintain a safe work environment. On-the-job accidents occur when judgment is impaired. Ensuring workers are clear-headed and focused is the key to maintaining a safe workplace.
Increase worker productivity. Workers with substance use problems miss 50 percent more days of work annually than their peers. Employee turnover rates are high for people with substance use disorders.
Improve company culture. Pre-employment drug screening allows employers to determine if a candidate holds your company’s values and standards. Drug use can decrease employee morale and interfere with attention and concentration.
Abide by regulations. Many industries, including healthcare, transportation and government, have specific regulations for drug testing compliance.

Any Lab Test Now offers a variety of on-site testing options for employers nationwide. The direct access lab testing company can manage pre-employment drug testing, random testing programs, reasonable suspicion tests, post-incident and return-to-duty drug and alcohol testing. Any Lab Test Now is qualified to provide testing for the Department of Transportation as part of its Federally Mandated Urine Drug Test (5-Panel). This test is a laboratory-based test and includes a screen, confirmation and the review of a medical officer. The Healthcare Professional Drug Panel is specifically designed to test healthcare professionals for highly addictive prescription medications that are readily available at their workplace. The panel will determine the presence or absence of the most easily abused prescription drugs or their metabolites in the urine.

The most common pre-employment drug test is the Urine Drug Test (5-Panel), which checks for the presence of five drug metabolites including:

Amphetamine/Methamphetamines
Marijuana
Cocaine
Opiates
Phencyclidine (PCP)

Any Lab Test Now offers other solutions, including options that test hair, fingernails and blood.

The company’s 10-drug panel tests may also include screenings for phencyclidine (PCP), methadone, propoxyphene and methaqualone.

Legalization of Marijuana

Currently, the recreational use of marijuana is legal in 11 states as well as Washington, D.C. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the past year, according to a survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. In 2018, an estimated 43.5 million Americans aged 12 or older used marijuana in the past year, the survey revealed.

Employers must decide if they will continue to have a zero-tolerance policy for marijuana and make sure their decision is reflected in their human resources policies. The National Institute of Drug Abuse contends that the negative impacts of marijuana on attention and memory can last long after the acute effects of the drug wear off. A study of postal workers found that employees who tested positive for marijuana on a pre-employment urine drug test had 55 percent more industrial accidents, 85 percent more injuries and 75 percent greater absenteeism, compared with those who tested negative for marijuana use, NIDA reported.

Make a plan to improve employee safety and morale by relying on a drug-testing authority. Visit Any Lab Test Now to learn more about our business solutions designed to boost your company’s bottom line.

Dealing With Back-To-School Stress: How Will Your Child Cope?

Back-to-school can be an exciting and stressful time for teens. On one hand, they are excited to see their friends, but on the other, they’re facing increasing stress and anxiety when it comes to their daily responsibilities. Any Lab Test Now knows that parents are worried and sometimes unsure of how to respond. We try to make it easier with our discreet and confidential drug testing.

Why Teens Take Drugs

One of the first steps to confronting your fears as a parent is understanding exactly why teens take drugs. The National Institute on Drug Abuse offers us some insight.

Teens take drugs to fit in. They want to be accepted in a social circle that includes drug-using peers.
Teens take drugs to feel good. Drugs produce feelings of pleasure. The intensity of the euphoria differs by the type of drug and how it is used.
Teens take drugs to feel better. Depression, social anxiety, stress-related disorders, and physical pain are just some of the issues facing adolescents. Stress especially plays a significant role in starting and continuing drug use.
Teens take drugs to do better. The pressure to perform athletically and academically can be intense. Some teens turn to drug use because they believe it will enhance their performance.

Sometimes there’s no real reason; teens just like to experiment, especially doing those things that they perceive as thrilling or daring.

Take Control With ALTN

Any Lab Test Now is here to help you, confidentially and anonymously. Our knowledgeable and professional medical assistants will help you navigate the choices available if you’re unsure of what test might be right for your family. We offer a wide range of tests that can determine drug use. The options include:

Hair Drug Test – A test of hair strands can determine if someone has used drugs as far back as three months. This test is a good choice for parents if they want to find out if their teen has been using drugs for a longer period, or if they think their child knew they were going to get drug tested and stopped using just to pass the test.

Fingernail Test – It takes two weeks for ingested drugs to begin showing in the fingernails. Nail clippings can determine if your child has used drugs as far back as six months.

Urine Test – If you think your teen has used drugs within the last 24 to 72 hours, this is a good choice.

If you suspect your child may be experimenting or using drugs, it can be very frightening. You don’t have to face those fears alone. The right test from Any Lab Test Now will provide you with the information you need to take control of the situation.

Confidentiality and Trust

Protecting your child’s identity is paramount. All testing at Any Lab Test Now is confidential. No one will have access to the results but you — the parent. You will own the results and can even use an anonymous name if you would prefer. Confidentiality and discretion are of the utmost importance to Any Lab Test Now. We work hard to make an already worrying situation as easy as possible.

Back-to-school can mean back to pressure, stress, and temptation for some students. Let your local Any Lab Test Now help you and your child face the challenges of the coming school year, together.

Your Parent Partner in the Battle Against Vaping

It’s not as if parents and their teenage children don’t already have enough to worry about! Now parents must be extra vigilant about teen use of e-cigarettes, which are sometimes referred to as “vaping” or “JUULing.” The names may be different, but the results are unfortunately usually all the same: electronic nicotine delivery.

The Teen Trend

These products are basically battery-powered devices that can deliver nicotine (usually found in flavored liquids) which then turns into a vapor to be inhaled by the user. With liquids flavored to taste like bubble gum, fruit, or other candies it’s no surprise that young people are more susceptible.

On top of that, most youth mistakenly believe the products are just harmless, flavored water vapor. Actually, most of them do contain nicotine, and in fact, some of them contain more nicotine than you would find in a cigarette! It doesn’t help the situation that some of these devices are so small you might mistake them for a flash drive.

*Pricing is subject to change based on location.

The Warning Call

The FDA says the use of e-cigarette products by teens has reached epidemic proportions. The U.S. Surgeon General repeated the warning, urging parents and teachers to educate themselves and talk with young people about the dangers. Any Lab Test Now wants to help parents as they battle this new health threat.

Testing — Anonymous and Confidential

Any Lab Test Now offers parents a variety of testing options that can detect the use of nicotine whether by use of traditional cigarettes or vaping. You won’t need to see a doctor first and perhaps most importantly — your child can remain anonymous. With Any Lab Test Now, no one has access to the test results but YOU — the parents. You own the results. You can even use an anonymous name to protect the identity of your child if you wish.

When it comes to choosing which test will work best for you — timing is everything:

Urine Test – This is a good choice if a parent suspects their child has recently used nicotine. The specimen will be screened and confirmed with results available in 48 to 72 hours.
Hair Follicle Test – This is a good option for parents who think their child has been either vaping or smoking nicotine for a long period of time. It only takes seven days for nicotine to start showing in the strands of your hair. If you think your child might stop using in an effort to pass the test, then this is the one to take. That’s because the Hair Follicle Test can determine if someone has used nicotine as far back as three months.
Blood Test – This simple blood draw test can detect traces of nicotine just hours after use.

If you’re unsure about which test is best for your situation, just talk with the experts at your local Any Lab Test Now. They’ll go over your options with you and offer you some suggestions on your best course of action.

No Nicotine is Safe

Remember, no amount of nicotine is safe. Researchers say that even being around people who are vaping and breathing in the “vape clouds” exhaled by others can expose youths to nicotine and other harmful chemicals. Talk with your children early, educate yourself, and know that Any Lab Test Now is here to be your parent partner.

Drugs And Teens: Give Them Another Reason To Just Say No

It seems like every time you listen to the news, there’s another reason for parents to be scared, particularly when it comes to drug abuse. Shocking rates of opioid addiction, prescription pain medication abuse, along with marijuana use and vaping, are in the headlines. Parents, educators, and law enforcement all do their best to warn teens about the dangers. For many families, the outcome is positive. But for those that are struggling with use and/or abuse, your local Any Lab Test Now® is there to help you confidentially and anonymously.

Move Forward With Confidence

If you suspect your child is being pressured to use drugs or has fallen in with the wrong group of friends, drug testing may help. Many parents are afraid that requesting a drug test will just push their teen away. It’s hard to know how to move forward if you don’t have solid, lab-verified facts at hand. Any Lab Test Now offers a range of lab-based drug screens in a variety of forms.

Hair Follicle Test – can detect drug use over a period of time (generally three months).
Fingernail Test – nail clippings can determine if someone has used drugs as far back as six months.
Urine Test – offers fast results.
Saliva Test – detection periods vary, depending on the type of drug.

If you’re not sure about the best way to proceed, you can speak to one of our lab experts in a confidential setting. They can provide you with guidance about drug testing so you can move forward in your efforts to keep your child on the right track.

Take Control With Information

You might want to start your research here, with a comprehensive list of drug and alcohol testing available at Any Lab Test Now. We have tests that can provide you with information in a variety of situations including:

Lab-based drug screening for substances like (but not limited to) marijuana, popular prescription medications and methamphetamines [example: Drug Test, 12 Panel (Urine)]
Synthetic designer drugs like K2, Spice and Bath Salts [example: Drug Test, K2 or Spice, (Urine)]
Alcohol and/or tobacco [examples: Alcohol Screen (Saliva) and Drug Test, Cotinine (Nicotine)]
Dextromethorphan (cough syrup) [example: Dextromethorphan (DXM) Drug Test]

We can even help you if you come across an “unknown substance” that you suspect of being drugs. If you find that you are still having trouble determining which of our many options works best for you and your family, help is as simple as a phone call.

Another Reason to Say NO

Any Lab Test Now is proud to offer our “Trust, But Verify” random teen drug-testing program. We know that the decision to drug test is one of the most difficult decisions a parent can make. Our program provides you with information about drug trends as well as signs and symptoms of drug use. Any Lab Test Now knows that teens can be challenging. We’re here to help.

Drugs And Teens

Move Forward With Confidence

Hair Follicle Test – can detect drug use over a period of time (generally three months).
Fingernail Test – nail clippings can determine if someone has used drugs as far back as six months.
Urine Test – offers fast results.
Saliva Test – detection periods vary, depending on the type of drug.

Take Control With Information

Lab-based drug screening for substances like (but not limited to) marijuana, popular prescription medications and methamphetamines [example: Drug Test, 12 Panel (Urine)]
Synthetic designer drugs like K2, Spice and Bath Salts [example: Drug Test, K2 or Spice, (Urine)]
Alcohol and/or tobacco [examples: Alcohol Screen (Saliva) and Drug Test, Cotinine (Nicotine)]
Dextromethorphan (cough syrup) [example: Dextromethorphan (DXM) Drug Test]

Another Reason to Say NO

Drug Testing Students

The upcoming school year seems so full of excitement and promise. Students can’t wait to find out which friends will be in their classes and re-commit themselves to getting top grades this year. Parents are frantically running around making sure that school supplies are purchased and doctor appointments attended. School administrators and teachers patiently prepare lessons and activities.

Yet for all the positive activity, there is a looming reality that some of these students will make poor choices when it comes to alcohol, tobacco or drugs. In fact, 11.3% of students have tried marijuana by the age of 13. So, it’s important for parents, administrators and teachers to be on the lookout for children who may be at risk and to routinely engage in open discussions about the dangers that these substances can cause.

If the time comes when you suspect that a student is using drugs, alcohol or tobacco — or if you’re simply looking for a tangible deterrent to help your student avoid the temptation — turn to Any Lab Test Now for support. We offer a variety of drug tests for teens that can help you determine if the student is using substances and what those might be.

Confidential

Any Lab Test Now, there’s no reason to worry that samples or personal data will be insecure. Specimens follow strict chain-of-custody protocols, and results are heavily protected throughout the testing process to preserve confidentiality. Individuals maintain complete control over their specimens; unless the results need to be court-admissible, you can even bring your specimen in yourself. Additionally, to maintain our various accreditation’s and certifications, we must regularly report on our efforts to protect client data security and confidentiality. This gives patients and regulatory agencies alike confidence in the safety and accuracy of test results.

Comprehensive

No matter what drug, or drugs, you expect to find, you can rest easy knowing Any Lab Test Now has a panel that can uncover it. We have 5-panel, 10-panel and 12-panel tests that look for the most commonly abused drugs, or you can select a customized healthcare or prescription drug testing panel. Within these panels, we can find evidence of recent use of illegal drugs, prescription drugs, nicotine and alcohol. Any Lab Test Now can also do emergency drug testing, in the event you believe a student was unknowingly drugged.

Customizable

With Any Lab Test Now, you can choose which tier to test at and for which drugs you would like to look. If you just want to know whether a student has recently taken drugs of any kind, a simple drug screen might be the only thing you need. A drug screen is much faster than a full test, but it cannot differentiate between different types of drugs and can only confirm or refute the presence of drugs in someone’s system.

You can also choose the type of test used, depending on how far back you need your results to span. For example, testing urine or saliva will reveal recent use of the drug. If you need to know whether the drug was used in the past three to six months, testing fingernails or hair follicles is the better way to go.

As adults, we understand the impact that using drugs can have. While students may look like adults, they simply aren’t yet. Their brains still haven’t finished developing the centers that manage reasoning and self-control. So, it’s important that we all keep an eye on our teens. Whether you work with them or raise them lovingly, continue to talk about the dangers of illegal substances. And, help them make the right choices by using drug testing as a deterrent.

If the time comes that you do suspect a student of using drugs, reach out to your local Any Lab Test Now for help with teen drug testing.

Why Not Trust, but Verify Your Teen?

Screen Shot 2014-08-04 at 10.47.39 AM Summer is coming to a close and schools all across America are back in session. That means your teenager is preparing to meet lots of new people and have some wonderful new experiences in the coming year. However, we all know sometimes teens can be led down the wrong path, through impulsive decision-making, situations involving peer pressure and that feeling of pure invincibility that almost all teenagers experience. These common themes in many teenagers’ lives can sometimes lead them on the path to drug use.

Being able to trust your child more as they grow older is a wonderful thing to celebrate. But when we know that even the best teenagers can be prone to making poor decisions every now and then, why not take the preventative steps to protect them from engaging in dangerous activities?

The Trust, But Verify random teen drug testing program offered by Any Lab Test Now is a great way to help your teenager make good decisions when it comes to drugs. When your teen knows they can be randomly drug tested at any time, they can say “no” to their friends more easily, without succumbing to peer pressure. Your teen can let their friends know that they can’t try drugs — not even once — because they get drug tested at home. You can still have a trusting relationship with your teenager knowing that you’ve given them the tools they need to refuse dangerous substances, without having to feel like their activities are constantly monitored.

At Any Lab Test Now, teen drug testing options include:

Rapid drug screens for when you need to know now.
Lab-based drug screens and confirmations of drug screens for your assurance, including but not limited to prescription medications, cocaine and synthetic designer drugs like K2, Spice and “bath salts.”
Drug tests for different detection periods.
Additional tests are available for:
- Alcohol Use
- Tobacco Use
- Unknown substances suspected of being drugs
- Dextromethorphan (DXM) abuse

Contact Any Lab Test Now to learn more about our Trust, But Verify teen drug testing program today.

Latest Drug Trends Parents Need to Know About

Your teen is at a party. They told you the parents would be home and that it’s just a small get-together. But even a small party can be a toxic pool of peer pressure for a growing teenager. Do you actually know what your teen is doing at that party? Will there be drinking or even drugs? While it’s important to have a trusting relationship with your teenager, it is also important to know when it’s time to step in and take charge of their activities. New drug trends can pop up fast, and before you know it, your teen may be in a dangerous situation at a social event. But you can take action just by staying in-the-know about drug trends and being aware of the warning signs that your teen might be abusing drugs. With the right information, you can better monitor your teen’s activities and behaviors. You don’t want to find out too late.

Here are a few of the drug trends for 2015 you should know about:

Molly: Commonly known as Molly or ecstasy, the official name for this drug is MDMA. It has been steadily gaining popularity since the late 2000s, and it is certainly a drug to watch out for among teenagers. Molly is considered a club drug and is typically used in pill form at raves and other kinds of parties. It is a synthetic psychoactive drug that produces feelings of increased energy, euphoria, emotional warmth toward others and distortions in sensory and time perceptions. Because it is lab-created, Molly is an unpredictable drug that can vary greatly in strength, composition and dosage — you never know what you’re going to get. It can result in a rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, blood vessel constriction and sweating, and the inability for the body to regulate temperature. It has also been known to cause panic attacks, psychosis, seizures and extreme dehydration.

Flakka (or Gravel): Flakka, also sometimes called Gravel, is a new and highly dangerous drug trend that has recently been seen emerging in Florida but is spreading to other areas as well. The drug is a combination of crystal meth and bath salts, giving it a gravel-like appearance. It can be eaten, snorted, injected or vaporized in an e-cigarette or similar device and can cause a condition called “excited delirium” that involves hyperstimulation, paranoia and hallucinations that can lead to violent aggression and self-injury. It has been linked to fatalities from suicide and heart attacks, and it can raise body temperatures to dangerous levels, leading to kidney damage and kidney failure.

K2 (or Spice): K2 is a particularly tricky drug to look out for as a parent because it can be obtained legally and is sold in gas stations, head shops and on the Internet. It is a synthetic cannabinoid of herbal mixtures that is chemically similar to THC, the active ingredient found in marijuana. However, the effects of this drug are much more powerful than marijuana and can include anxiety and agitation, nausea and vomiting, high blood pressure, shaking and seizures, hallucinations and paranoia, and violent behavior. Recently, there have been increasing instances of hospitalizations due to overdoses of K2.

Adderall: Adderall (and other stimulant medications like Ritalin and Concerta) is the dangerous drug your teen might be getting right out of a friend’s medicine cabinet. Typically prescribed to people with ADHD, Adderall has recently become a heavily abused drug among young people, especially students. People with prescriptions can easily give or sell it to others, usually those seeking the ability to focus better while studying. The problem? When abused or taken without a prescription, these drugs can be highly addictive. This type of drug suppresses the appetite, increases wakefulness, and increases focus and attention. It can also produce feelings of euphoria and is often abused for recreational purposes as a result.

Fentanyl: This drug is an opioid twice as potent as heroin and has been increasing in popularity across the nation since 2013, causing hundreds of overdoses and deaths. An opioid overdose can stop a person’s breathing, and fentanyl can cause this to happen very rapidly. In some cases, people have been unknowingly taking fentanyl in what they believed to be pure heroin, though a growing number of people are intentionally seeking out the stronger drug. Fentanyl produces a state of euphoria and relaxation.

Any Lab Test Now partners with the Partnership for Drug Free Kids and their Medicine Abuse Project to help educate parents about the problem of teen drug abuse, as well as share tools to help them talk to their teens. Be sure to talk to your teenager about the dangers of drug abuse and how to get help if something happens. If you think your teen may be abusing drugs, you may want to consider bringing them in for a drug test through our Trust But Verify teen drug testing program. Talk to our experts at Any Lab Test Now to find the right test for you and your child’s needs.