Professional drug screening involves a technical analysis of one’s biological specimen to determine if remnants of drugs or alcohol are in the body. In laymen’s terms, a drug screening involves the examination of one’s hair, urine, blood, salvia or sweat in order to find any traces of drugs.
People are often screened before and during employment, while on probation, or when actively participating in athletics. While professional drug screening can undoubtedly incriminate a person in denial of her drug use, it cannot determine or diagnose addiction.
The Drug Abuse Screening Test
The drug abuse screening test, or DAST, is commonly used by doctors and rehab counselors to determine if a patient is suffering from drug abuse or addiction. This test is composed of questions that, when answered honestly, can determine the severity of an individual’s drug use. This test can be found online at addiction or addiction recovery websites, but the results are more revealing when the test is given face-to-face.
An addict may not answer the questions truthfully, or he may underplay his drug habits. Some addicts may even be incapable of accurately assessing their drug behavior because they are so far under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The test will question everything from the individual’s drug activity to her family history and recent behavior.
In some situations, friends or family of the addict may want to determine their loved one’s condition to answer the drug screening questions themselves. This can signify whether they need to take action and get help for their loved one.
Signs that May Indicate a Possible Drug Addiction
A drug addiction screening test will consist of questions related to the warning signs and symptoms of addiction. Questions may include the following:
- Has the subject ever used drugs for non-medical reasons?
- Has he abused prescription drugs, or taken them other than directed?
- Has she abused more than one drug at a time?
- Has the individual tried to stop using and found it difficult or failed to do so?
- Is the drug abuse a habit or continuous act?
- Does the subject use the drug in specific situations?
- Has he ever had blackouts or flashbacks?
- Does the individual feel guilty or upset with her use or behavior when using?
- Do family members suspect or complain about the individual’s involvement with drugs?
- Has drug use caused relationship problems or severed friendships?
- Is there any prior family history of drug abuse?
- Has the subject neglected responsibilities with family or at work?
- Has the individual gotten into altercations, fights, or legal trouble while under the influence?
- Are withdrawal symptoms present when not using?
- Have any medical problems occurred because of the drug use?
Answering ‘yes’ to any of these questions can indicate that a loved one may have a problem with drug use.