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.