The deadly drug epidemic in the United States is running rampant, reaching its tendrils into every city, every county. No place is left untouched, and that means Columbus, Ohio is feeling this crisis just like everywhere else. Because of this, more people are seeking drug testing for both professional and personal reasons, and this has led to an increase in drug testing facilities. If you are considering or need a drug test, make sure to use a reputable facility that can meet your needs.
Perhaps if the drug test is for you and solely for professional reasons, you are not concerned. But if it is for personal ones (maybe you are taking your child for a drug test), it can be a worrisome time. If you need further help or addiction treatment resources in Columbus after the drug test, there are many facilities to help. You can reach out directly to The Recovery Village where our caring representatives can help.
Columbus Drug Testing Centers
It is important to know a little about drug testing before you choose your drug testing facility. Not only is the reason for the drug test important, but you should know that two main factors differentiate drug tests. These are the types of drugs being tested for and the type of specimen collected.
Drug screenings commonly test for five types of drugs (amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, phencyclidine (PCP) and opiates), and this is referred to as a 5-panel drug test. Other, more powerful tests can identify other drugs like barbiturates, ethanol (alcohol), and benzodiazepines. If this is something you need, check with the facility to see if this is available.
Another differentiating factor is what type of specimen is collected. Some specimen types include:
- Urine – A urine test is the most common type. It tests for metabolites in the urine and is a noninvasive, cost-effective test. Metabolites are structures produced by the metabolism and then excreted; through testing metabolite levels, drug use can be determined.
- Saliva- This is another common method of drug testing. Again, it is noninvasive and not expensive and gives reliable results. However, the window of time that it is accurate is small, so take that into consideration.
- Blood – This is the most accurate method of drug testing; however, it is expensive and more invasive so not as commonly used.
- Hair – Metabolites are filtered through the hair and tend to stay there, so hair testing is a type of permanent record of drug use.
- Perspiration – This method is newer and requires the person to wear a patch for two weeks to collect perspiration. The patch is then tested for metabolites, and professionals can determine if there are indicators of drug use.
When you are choosing a drug testing center, take these factors into account:
- Accuracy
- Privacy
- Speed of results
- Experience of staff
You can use the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) comprehensive list of facilities to find one that is certified by the Department of Health and Human Services.
People will get a drug test for a wide variety of reasons. Some for themselves and some for a loved one, maybe a teenager they are suspecting of drug use. Here are some common reasons people seek a drug test:
- Pre-Employment: Often employers require a clean drug test before extending a final offer for employment.
- Annual Physical: Some employers and/or insurance companies require yearly drug testing.
- For-Cause and Reasonable Suspicion: For example, an employer may require drug testing of an employee or parent may require a drug test for a child if drugs are suspected and signs of drug use are observed.
- Post-Accident: If a workplace accident occurs and legal action takes place, the employee may be required to undergo a drug test to make sure he or she was not under the influence at the time of the accident.
- Post-Treatment: Many employers, treatment providers, parents or even law enforcement may require drug testing post-treatment to make sure the individual is staying clean.
- Probation: Drug testing is usually a condition of probation, and if the test comes back positive, the probation may be lost.
- Sports: Some sports teams at a variety of levels may require drug testing to keep play fair and safe and also maintain a drug-free atmosphere.
- School: To ensure a drug-free environment, some schools (usually private) may conduct random drug testing.
Finding Drug Testing Facilities Near Me
When you are evaluating Columbus drug testing centers to decide which one to use, think about what you need personally and try to get some recommendations. You can find trustworthy and accurate drug testing facilities in Columbus by:
- Talking with your family doctor: Your doctor is probably familiar with you and aware of the reason for the drug test so can recommend a high-quality facility to use.
- Contacting your insurance provider: A representative from your insurance company may be able to help you find a center where the cost will be covered by your plan.
- Searching online: This will help you find options close to you and other information on the drug testing center.
- Calling The Recovery Village: Our representatives can help you find a drug testing center in your area and also share information on further treatment if you are interested.
If you feel someone close to you is struggling with drug addiction, please reach out to us at The Recovery Village in Columbus. We have a variety of treatment options to fit anyone’s needs. This can be a difficult, confusing time, but we can help you through it.
