His drugs and alcohol test is tomorrow and he's worried.If you are abusing alcohol or drugs, you likely live in fear of being asked to take a drugs and alcohol test. This is a common fear for people with substance abuse problems. All around you, organizations are requiring people with certain privileges or engaged in activities to undergo this kind of routine testing. But what are these tests and what do they show?

What is a Drugs and Alcohol Test?

A drugs and alcohol test reveals whether an individual is abusing substances, primarily common drugs or alcohol. Using these substances may affect their work, reputation, capabilities and other aspects of their life. Certain groups require the tests to ensure safety, quality, integrity and reliability of the person being tested.

There are many groups that require people to take a drugs and alcohol test. These include:

  • Employers seeking employees with stability and integrity.
  • Law enforcement personnel for public safety.
  • Family members looking for signs of addiction.
  • Sports organizations to be sure athletes are competing honestly and without influence of steroids or other drugs.
  • Justice system entities to be sure defendants are acting in line with the rules of their sentencing.
  • Schools to keep students safe.
  • Rehab programs to make sure clients are sticking to treatment and living sober.
  • Insurance companies to verify an insured party is worth risk.
  • Doctors to properly diagnose a patient’s health.

A drugs and alcohol test looks for small amounts of substances in the test taker’s body. This is done by taking a sample of the person’s breath, urine, blood, hair, saliva or sweat.

What Kind of Results Can Be Gained from a Drugs and Alcohol Test?

Drugs and alcohol test results cannot show details of how much of the drugs or alcohol were used or when that use took place. They cannot measure how much the person is affected by the substances, with the exception of an alcohol breath test. Scientists have learned that a blood alcohol content (BAC) measurement of 0.05 percent or higher means that the person is not able to function normally.

These tests cannot give one answer about how people act or feel when drugs or alcohol are in their bodies. This is because each person is unique. How their body works while drugs or alcohol are in their system is also unique.

There are also many factors that can affect the results of a drug and alcohol test. These factors are mostly related to how long drugs and alcohol remain in an individual person’s body.

Factors of how long drugs or alcohol may stay in one person’s body include:

  • Drug or alcohol strength
  • How much of the substances were taken
  • Whether the substances were taken by mouth, injected or smoked
  • What other substances were used
  • How much the person can tolerate the substances used
  • Gender
  • Age
  • Metabolism
  • Genetics
  • Overall health
  • Other factors, such as food eaten before, during and after the drugs or alcohol test.

Stop Living in Fear of a Simple Test

Being afraid of taking a drugs or alcohol test can make your daily life unnerving. If you are always having to hide your substance addiction and constantly fear for your job, freedom and relationships because of these tests, it is time to get help.

Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida understands your fear. At Beaches, you are able to gain freedom from this worry, as well as the substances that are controlling your life. Getting the detox and rehab you need puts you back in control. At rehab centers, you receive therapies, support, education and guidance you need to stop abusing drugs and alcohol.

If you or someone you love are ready to regain control of your life, call Beaches Recovery at 8666050532. This one call can take away many of your biggest concerns.