2010 | Health Testing & Drug Testing Guides, Reviews, Information & Facts

Archive for 2010

Survey Shows Increased Drug Use among American Teens

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010

Marijuana use is rising; Ecstasy use is beginning to rise.

This is what has been concluded in the recent survey conducted by the University of Michigan, and sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The result of this year’s Monitoring the Future survey revealed that the proportion of 8^th graders who reported using marijuana daily increased from 1 percent to 1.2 percent between 2009 and 2010.

The study has been participated by 46,000 8^th, 10^th, and 12^th graders from nearly 400 secondary public and private schools. The survey further disclosed that the rate of marijuana use among 10^th graders rose from 2.8 percent to 3.3 percent, and 5.1 percent to 6.1 percent among high school seniors.

“Though this upward shift is not yet very large, its duration and pervasiveness leave no doubt in our minds that it is real. Perhaps the most troublesome part of it is that daily use of marijuana increased significantly in all three grades in 2010.” said Lloyd Johnston, the principal investigator of the study.

It is said that one possible explanation for the increased use of marijuana in recent years among US adolescents is that only a few from the population has reported seeing much danger associated with its use, even with regular use.

The survey has also documented an alarming increase in the use of Ecstasy with 2.4 percent of eighth-graders, and 4.7 percent of 10th-graders saying they had used it in the past year. It can be recalled that Ecstasy has reached its peak in 2001 and fell sharply over the next four years. Sadly, it made a swift comeback in the year 2010 based on the figure provided by the Monitoring the Future survey.

On a lighter note, the survey revealed some decline in other drug use such as:

Between 2009 and 2010, the annual prevalence rates of cocaine dropped by 0.5 and 0.4 percentage points.
The 2010 annual prevalence rates for cocaine are 1.6%, 2.2%, and 2.9% in the three grades—far lower than they were in the mid-1980s or even the mid-1990s.
Among 8^th graders, annual prevalence of Amphetamines peaked at 7.2% in 1998 and then declined to 4.2% by 2007.
Among 10th graders Amphetamine use peaked at 11.7% in 2001 and then declined to 6.4% by 2008.
Among 12th graders, Amphetamine use peaked at 11.1% in 2002 and declined to 6.6% in 2009.

Tags: american drug use, american teens drug abuse, drug abuse, drug abuse survey, drug use
Posted in Drug Testing | No Comments »

4 Things to Know about Drug Testing if You are on Probation

Sunday, December 26th, 2010

There is such a thing as the revocation of parole for committing a new crime. Authors George Cole and Christopher Smith of the book ‘Criminal Justice in America’ cited what was written in ‘What Americans Think’, that is, the fact that there is strong support given to the possibility of sending back parolees to prison once they fail drug testing.

If you are currently on probation (or a parolee) then you would certainly have questions about this procedure. In this regard, it pays to take a look at the following facts about drug testing if you are on probation:

# 1 – Drug testing for parolees is made for a purpose.

It is more than just that aspect of sending a parolee back to prison if they failed the drug test. Drug screening when you are on probation is purposely done by the parole agent to supplement the aspects of support and control as parts of parole supervision. As cited by a report published via CDCR by the State of California Department of the Youth Authority, the primary intention of the test is to increase public safety and reduce the parolee’s criminal behavior.

In the report made by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, it was noted that in 1998, there were 7 out of 10 inmates who were tested positive for drug use. This is quite alarming as we all know since drug use may result to other crimes such as theft, robbery and even drug trafficking.

# 2 – Parole drug testing policies may vary from one state to another

Just recently, California eases its parole process by no longer conducting random drug tests among parolees. According to Thomas Atkins of the Associated Press in his article published via CorrectionsOne, the budget crisis in the place was one factor that affected the need to loosen up a bit on parole provision. One aspect that was sacrificed is the need to conduct random drug testing on parolees.

While this is the case in this state, it is not the same thing for parolees of Texas and Rhode Island. In Texas alone, parolees have seen the positive aspect of drug testing thus making sure that it is imposed in the state. In the case of Rhode Island, regular drug testing for parolees is also being required. Basically, the PO supervises the process closely and contacts family members, employers or all others concerned just to make sure that the purpose of the test will be delivered.

Drug Home Test Kits

# 3 – False positive results may transpire during the course of the drug testing process.

Several drug testing methods may be used when you are on probation. The most popular ones are urine, sweat, hair and saliva drug tests. While these methods are supported by new drug testing technologies, you should take note that false positive results may take place. A false positive result is one wherein you are tested positive for a drug use when in fact you have not used an illicit drug.

As mentioned by Diane Riley in her article entitled Drug Testing for Prisons, these false positives may result from one’s intake of allergy and asthma medications. When the urine method is used, switching of urine specimen (from ‘unadulterated’ to ‘adulterated urine) may also be the case. This happens when someone else in the prison wants to make sure your parole will be revoked.

# 4 – Sanctions will be given in case your drug test shows positive results.

Immediate revocation of parole is the toughest sanction you can face when you are tested positive for drug use. Add to this, the Probation and Parole Bureau of the Department of Corrections also specifies the following sanctions for offenders:

Minimum sanctions for first-time offenders. This will include one-three days in jail at own expense, restricted travel, curfew, community service and day reporting program.

Second-time offenders. The sanctions will include electronic monitoring, one to five days in jail, restricted travel, increased reporting, increased testing, curfew, community service and day reporting.

Third-time offenders. Sanctions will increase to: (1) 7 days in jail at own expense; (2) 90 AA’s in 90 days; (3) day reporting; and (4) intermittent jail which may include weekends in prison.

Now that you have known some facts about probation drug testing, it will be easier submitting yourself to the test. If in case you will have false positive results, elevate your concern to proper authorities.

This Article is written by Lena Butler, contributor of Test Country Articles.

Tags: drug screening, Drug Testing, drug testing policies, drug tests, drug trafficking, drug use, saliva drug testing
Posted in Drug Testing | 1 Comment »

Workplace Drug Testing in Financial Jobs

Sunday, December 26th, 2010

Workplace drug testing, according to Sam Ciulla (VP of National Application Processing and Screening or NAPS) is important in order to lessen the impact of drug abuse in the workplace. He reiterated that drug abuse may result to employee tardiness, absenteeism, attitude problems and even theft. This then leads to an approximate annual loss amounting in between $75 billion to $100 billion dollars.

Ciulla’s statement explains that there is indeed a need for workplace drug testing. In this case, let us know more about how rampant drug abuse is in the financial sector. Likewise, let us see the most common drugs that concern financial jobs or employment in investment banks and insurance companies.

Facts about drug abuse in the financial sector

We can divide this into two sections, namely:

1. Drug abuse statistics in the financial sector. According to the United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in 2005, out of the 17.2 million illicit drug users in the country, 12.9 million were employed either part or full time. The same agency also said that 10% of the country’s workers who die on the job were tested positive with drug or alcohol abuse.

How rampant is drug abuse in the financial sector? According to E-Financial News report, two percent of those who underwent drug testing in 2009 failed the tests. The percentage may be minimal when compared to the retail industry’s 4.1% yet this number can grow in the years to come considering that nowadays, more financial workers resort to the use of marijuana.

2. Most common drugs that concern financial jobs. The article published by Wall Street Journal via E-Financial News indicated that investment professionals have choices when it comes to drug abuse. In the past, these financial workers used to favor cocaine over other drugs but nowadays, they turn their backs from this drug and liked marijuana more.

In 2007, 16% of financial workers favored the use of cocaine. This was down to only 7% of those who were tested positive with drug abuse in 2009. The use of marijuana within the financial sector jumped from 64% in 2007 to 80% in 2009. This is among those tested positive for drug use in the industry.

Why is there a need for workplace drug screening in financial jobs?

The same report mentioned that there are things to note when it comes to drug abuse in the financial industry. First, more investment bankers are prone to addiction (although employers do not admit that). The reason behind this generalization is the fact that these individuals receive a huge sum in their paychecks plus their jobs are more stressful when compared to others. The worst is the fact that investment bankers seem to be good at hiding their addictions.

It was noted that there is only a small number of investment professionals who are dependent on drugs. However, with the reasons explained in the previous paragraph, it is important for financial company owners to introduce workplace drug testing within their respective organizations.

Tags: alcohol abuse, drug abuse, Drug Testing. Workplace drug abuse, workplace drug screening, Workplace Drug Testing
Posted in Workplace Drug Testing | No Comments »

10 Signs and Symptoms of Anabolic Steroid Abuse by High School Teenagers

Friday, December 17th, 2010

Teenagers in high school use anabolic steroids in order to help them improve their performance in sports. Due to influences such as peer pressure and the supposed ideal body image, steroids have especially become a drug of abuse among teenage males. Athletes, in particular, are tempted to use this drug to aid them in their strength and muscle building.

Here are 10 signs and symptoms of anabolic steroid abuse, which you might find in high school teenagers:

1. Rapid weight gain

One sign that your teenager is taking steroids is rapid weight gain. He or she can gain anywhere from five to 10 kg in the first 6 to 12 weeks of taking the drug.

2. Rapid muscle development

Muscle building is often the major reason teenage athletes take steroids. If you notice your child suddenly developing muscles in his or her upper body, then this is a sign of steroid intake.

3. Acne breakouts

Anabolic steroids can cause severe acne on the face, arms, shoulders and upper back. If your teenager already has a case of acne, the drug will make existing acne worse.

4. Mood swings

When taking steroids, your teenager may experience extreme personality changes. He or she may be completely happy and pleasant, then suddenly burst into bouts of anger and rage.

5. Red or purple spots on the body

A teenager taking anabolic steroids may suddenly develop red or purple spots all over his or her body. These splotchy spots are commonly found in the upper body.

6. Baldness

Your child may also experience balding while taking steroids. This drug can cause the hairline to recede, especially among men. There may also be a general thinning of hair all throughout the head.

7. Change in color of skin

Your child’s skin and eyes may suddenly become a shade of yellow. Your child may have jaundice, which indicates that he or she may have a liver disease.

8. Swelling of face

Another common sign of steroid abuse is a puffy or swollen face. This is caused by water retention.

9. Oiliness

One sign of steroid abuse is excessively oily skin or greasy hair, even shortly after taking a bath.

10. Development of breast tissue

Another common symptom of steroid abuse is gynomastia. Gynomastia is the abnormal development of excessive breast tissue among males.

Teenagers who take anabolic steroids usually do so without supervision. It is essential that you take note of these signs and symptoms in order to prevent drug abuse among your children. If you notice any of your children showing the following signs or symptoms, seek help from a medical professional immediately.

Tags: anabolic steroids, drug abuse, steroid abuse, steroids
Posted in Steroid Testing | No Comments »

Steroid Testing Your Teenager – 10 Things You Need to Know

Friday, December 17th, 2010

As a parent, you may be terrified of discovering that your child is taking steroids. Asking your teenager to take a drug test will most probably be a difficult task. Here are some pros and cons of asking your teenager to take a steroid test:

Pros of Steroid Testing

1. Steroid testing can save lives.

You may feel some hesitation towards implementing drug testing in your home. However, you must keep in mind one important fact: that drug testing can save lives. You’ll be able to detect if any member of your household is taking drugs, and you’ll be able to seek medical attention immediately.

2. Drug testing gives you peace of mind.

To be honest, steroid testing is more beneficial to the parents compared to their children. It gives parents peace of mind that their children aren’t in any danger, and are generally in good health.

3. It doesn’t have to be an invasive procedure.

A steroid test does not have to be an invasive type of test. Most drug tests for this drug are urine-based, which is extremely simple to do. Steroids tend to stay in the body for 2 weeks up to a month, which is why it will most probably appear on a steroid urine drug test.

4. It opens the door to conversations about alternatives.

Whether or not your teen’s drug test comes out positive, you can take the opportunity to have conversations with your children that you would not normally have with them. You can talk about healthy alternatives to steroids, such as certain foods or vitamin supplements.

5. It will safeguard your child’s athletic career.

One reason teenagers take steroids is to boost their athletic career. Although they may see the advantages of taking steroids, they may not understand the risks involved in taking them and in getting caught. By keeping your children drug free, you can ensure that their athletic career is not in jeopardy.

Cons of Steroid Testing

6. There will be backlash.

As a parent, one thing you must be prepared for is backlash. Your teen will most probably feel that you do not trust them, especially if he or she did not do anything specific to make you doubt them. Trust will become an issue, and you must remember to address this issue before your child does.

7. You will be greeted with an attitude.

No matter how much you explain to your children that you are testing them for their benefit, they will most probably greet your decision with reluctance or even anger. Don’t allow yourself to be affected by their actions, however. If they have nothing to hide, they will eventually adjust to the idea of taking a drug test.

8. It is an invasion of privacy.

For a teenager, a drug test of any form is an invasion of privacy. At their age, teenagers value privacy and personal space above all else. Steroid testing your teens will make them feel like you are meddling in their personal lives.

9. You may judge your teenager.

If your child receives a positive drug test result, you may automatically assume that he or she is a heavy drug user. It may be possible that your child just tried it once, or was pressured by a classmate into taking it. One positive test result may make you say or do things that you might regret later. Make sure to listen to what your teen has to say.

10. Teenage years are crucial.

If you discover your child is taking steroids, you need to put plenty of thought into your next course of action. If the school discovers that your child is taking steroids, it’s possible that he or she will get kicked out of school. Other schools may also find out about your teen’s history with drugs, affecting his or her chances in getting accepted at a good college or university.

These are some of the pros and cons of steroid testing your teenager. Remember to discuss your decision with your spouse and of course, your child. Communication is very important at this stage, and it is important that they understand why steroid testing them is essential.

This Article is written by Lena Butler, contributor of Test Country Articles.

Tags: drug test, positive drug test, Steroid Testing, steroids, teen drug test
Posted in Steroid Testing | No Comments »

Home
My Account
Order Status
Contact Us
About TestCountry

Sales & Partners
Corporate Accounts
Affiliate Program

Information
TestCountry Resources
Health & Drug Testing Information Center
Drug Slang & Street Name Search
Local Drug Testing Centers

Support
Store Policies
FAQ

Disclaimer

Answers, comments, information, articles and opinions provided on all TestCountry related webpages are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, counseling, psychological, or other professional advice. You should not use the information on TestCountry for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication or other treatment. You should always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, rehabilitation or detoxification from any substance abuse or adopting any treatment for a health or drug problem.