Drugs of Choice Complicate Screening
by
Stuart Milan RN, MSN, APMHNP (1988)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
When I started working in the addiction field in 1986, the drugs of choice were marijuana, cocaine, alcohol, and opiates. A few people were taking amphetamines of some kind and that was about it. Drug screens were fairly straight forward and were able to detect any of these substances fairly easily.
Over the years, this has changed. Drugs of choice have exploded in many different directions: from prescription drugs and over the counter medications to drugs disguised as harmless items in gas station convenience stores, and household items, such as Duster, aerosol propellants, and cleaning fluids. This wide variety of drugs of choice in today's world makes it difficult to identify what a person is actually taking, so that we can help identify potential impediments in their recovery, as well as providing the person with a safe recovery environment.
In the past, it was fairly easy to avoid your drug of choice for a significant period of time until you had a firm footing in a recovery program and could better deal with the obsession and compulsion to use. You could avoid the beer aisle, not go into a bar, or avoid the drug dealer's house. Now, a person has to avoid gas stations, pharmacies, and large retail stores where you can basically find many types of substances that will get you high.
A co-worker of mine always said one thing you have to do perfectly is get a drug screen. With a person's ability to dilute, mask, or give adulterated urine easily, treatment centers have to be able to do a drug screen well. It is the one scientific method to detect whether a person is using a substance. We have seen several substances in the past few years become very popular. Some of these include Dextromethorphan, K2 or spice, Bath salts, Air Duster, Ambien, and Anabolic Steroids (which are readily available in most gyms). These drugs of choice are not normally detected in a common drug screen. Although we do not routinely screen for all of these substances, we more frequently obtain specialized drug screens to detect these substances so we can help provide the best care for the patient, as well as provide a safe environment for others on the unit.
Primary Intensive Outpatient Program Now A BCBS Network Provider
COPAC's Primary Intensive Outpatient Program is now included in Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi's network of providers.
The Primary Intensive Outpatient Program is designed for patients who are new to recovery, or for those individuals who have relapsed. Regardless of the type of addiction or behavioral disorder, the Primary Intensive Outpatient Program is a comprehensive treatment program that allows patients to maintain the day-to-day responsibilities of their lives, including employment. Contact COPAC to schedule a free evaluation to find out if the Primary Intensive Outpatient Program is the most appropriate treatment option.
Nationally recognized, COPAC, INC. is a comprehensive residential care facility for the treatment of chemically dependent adults. COPAC's gender specific programs are designed to help patients deal with dual diagnosis, co-morbid addictions, dysfunctional family issues, sober living skills, chronic relapse, and compulsive gambling. COPAC maintains the highest level of professional multidisciplinary treatment, is JCAHO accredited and approved by most insurance companies, while providing one of the most cost effective plans in the field today.
