CHAPTER 11

Drug Testing and Adulteration

In order to understand drug testing, one must have knowledge of common definitions and classifications associated with drug testing. The following text lists definitions and drug classifications used by professionals in the field of drug testing.

Definitions:

Drug -

Any substance introduced into the body to produce some alteration in the body's chemistry and in the functioning of one or more body organs.

Medication -

Any natural or synthetic substance intended to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure a disease or other medical condition.

Drug Abuse -

Any non-medical use of drugs that cause physical, psychological, legal, economic, or social damage to the user or to people affected by the user's behavior. Abuse usually refers to illegal drugs but may also be applicable to drugs that are available legally, such as prescribed medications and certain over-the-counter medications.

Drugs of abuse are generally classified into four categories:

Opiates -

Opiates are classified as narcotic analgesics. Opiates are both very psychologically and physiologically addictive. The most common medical use is to control pain. Although abusive use can extend to prescribed medications, the most common illegal uses are heroin, morphine and methadone. Some other common names for opium drugs are Paregoric, Percodan, Tylox and Darvon.

Depressants -

Alcohol, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines and Methaqualone are the most common depressants. Most depressants are highly addictive, both physically and psychologically. The most common depressants are beer, wine, liquor, Fiorinal, Diazepam, Librium and Xanax.

Stimulants -

Cocaine, Amphetamine and Methamphetamine are the more common illegally abused stimulants. All are very psychologically addictive while most are only moderately addictive physically. The major exception is cocaine. Cocaine is very addictive, both physiologically and psychologically. Common names are coke, flake, crack, snow, delcobase, obetrol, ephedrine and Ritalin.

Hallucinogens -

Marijuana, LSD, Mescaline, Phencyclidine (PCP) and hashish oil produce illusions and hallucinations in the user. There is very little known about the physical addiction of hallucinogens, and most psychological addictions are moderate or unknown. (The major exception is PCP, which is highly addictive psychologically.) Common names include acid, mesc, MDMA, angel dust, hog, pot, grass, THC and hash.

Controlled Substances -

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 separates drugs that may be abused into five categories (schedules) based on the use and biological effects of the drugs. Strict regulations for the use and supply of the drugs in each schedule are also established.

Schedule 1
Almost all the drugs in this schedule are illegal. All have a high potential for dependence and abuse, and it is illegal to have them in your possession.
Examples: Heroin, LSD, marijuana

Schedule 2
These drugs are highly addictive but, despite the risk, they remain in medical use because no satisfactory non-addictive alternative medication is available. Renewal of prescriptions is not allowed without a new prescription from your doctor.
Examples: Cocaine, amphetamines, morphine, some barbiturates

Schedule 3
This schedule includes drugs that have some potential for abuse or dependence. Prescriptions can be renewed up to five times in six months if your doctor so authorizes. In some states, prescriptions phoned to the pharmacist by your doctor must be confirmed in writing.
Examples: Acetaminophen or aspirin with codeine, some appetite suppressants

Schedule 4
These drugs are considered less likely to cause dependence or to be abused as much as the drugs in Schedule 3, but the prescriptions are covered by the same regulations that govern Schedule 3.
Examples: Diazepam, choral hydrate, Phenobarbital

Schedule 5
These drugs are included in the regulations because they contain small amounts of narcotics. However, they are the least likely to be abused.
Examples: Some antidiarrheal medications and cough medicines

Why test for illegal drug use?

The average employer loses $7,000 per year, per employee who abuses drugs and/or alcohol.

Organizations that deal in the sale of illegal drugs have very elaborate and detailed plans, to very specific target markets. The two primary markets targeted are the blue-collar worker (usually at work) and students at public schools and universities. Their plan is to obtain their clients when they are young (our children) and maintain the relationship into their working years.