Heroin is a highly addictive, illegal drug. It among the most abused and fastest acting of the opiates (opiates, also called narcotics, are a family of drugs which are used in the medical profession to relieve pain, but are also highly abused due to this very property). It induces a feeling of intense ecstasy and brings on this effect with rapidity, making it the drug of choice among recreational users seeking a quick ‘rush’.

It is more often than not injected. Alternatively, it can also be sniffed, snorted or smoked.

Direct short and long term effects of heroin use:

Addiction itself is one of the most devastating side effects of heroin. It is especially addictive because it finds its way into the brain extremely rapidly. It causes neurochemical and molecular changes in the brain. Soon after taking the drug, users may feel drowsy for a few hours. Mental function becomes hazy due to its effect on the central nervous system. Heroin addicts tend to expend most of their energies in procuring and using the drug; it becomes their life’s foremost motive. Heroin literally alters their brains.

The body gradually becomes used to the presence of the drug, and withdrawal symptoms occur if drug consumption is abruptly terminated. The symptoms manifest as restlessness, pain in muscles and bones, insomnia, diarrhea and vomiting, to name a few. Mostly, peak withdrawal symptoms are seen 24 to 48 hours after the last dose and fade out after a week or so. However, people have been known to persistently display withdrawal symptoms for several months.

Consistent heroin abuse has several debilitating medical consequences, some of which include collapsed veins, liver and kidney disease, respiratory problems (and sometimes a fatal collapse of the respiratory system), boils, blood clots which clog blood vessels leading to the lungs, liver, kidneys or brain. Heroin abusers often exchange used syringes, exposing themselves to a heightened risk of contracting infections such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C.

During pregnancy, heroin use can cause severe complications such as miscarriage and premature delivery. Babies of addicted mothers are more likely to die of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) than their counterparts whose mothers are not addicts.

Extraction of pure cocaine was first done from the leaf of the Erythroxylon coca bush, which is found mainly in the high mountain ranges of Peru and Bolivia, in the mid nineteenth century. The natives of this region used the coca leaves as a stimulant. The effect of intake was increased breathing, which led to higher intake of oxygen. Given the tough environmental conditions, namely thin air at high altitudes, the laborers were able to carry out their physical activities with more stamina. Gradually, the powerful stimulating effects of the coca leaf were duly noticed by the scientific world.

Cocaine was first synthesized in 1855. The coca leaves were chemically synthesized, leaving the white crystalline powder, which is now known as cocaine. Hence, the hitherto mild stimulating effects of the coca leaves were maximized in the form of this potent drug. By the early 1900’s, it was to become the main stimulant in numerous cure-all tonics and elixirs. With the passage of time, more novel methods to intensify the ecstatic effects of cocaine were invented. These efforts led to the invention of ‘crack’, the most dangerous and potent form of cocaine.

The famous psychologist Sigmund Freud was the first to promote the drug as a cure for depression and sexual impotence. In 1886, John Pemberton, the inventor of the new soft drink Coca-Cola used it as the chief ingredient. This gave an added boost to the popularity of the drug. Coca-Cola’s status as the most popular soft drink in history can be attributed to the powerful energizing effects of cocaine.

In the second half of the 19th century, opium, heroin and cocaine were freely used in making tonics and elixirs that were broadly advocated as cures for a wide range of diseases. There was a prominent and socially approved drug culture in the American society at the time. Other famous promoters of this drug were Thomas Edison and actress Sarah Bernhart. It was widely used in Hollywood too. Such staunch support coming from role models of the time, powerfully catapulted cocaine to a cult-like status.

It was only some years later that the dangers of cocaine use came to the fore. Gradually, as the harmful side effects of cocaine became known, public protest against it reached a crescendo pitch, finally resulting in a total ban on its use. Pemberton was forced to remove cocaine from Coca-Cola in 1903. Cocaine became a banned narcotic according to The Dangerous Drug Act of 1920. Unfortunately, a market for cocaine was already created and continues to flourish even today.

Today, crack is the most sought after form of cocaine. Crack has been a part of American culture for about 150 years, although it is relatively new compared to other drugs such and heroin and opium, which have been around for much longer. Smoking crack cocaine became popular in the 1970’s. Since then, it has claimed millions of lives in America and around the world.

Drug testing involves many different methods and devices that detect whether or not a person has been using drugs or is currently under the influence. Drug testing products are available for home and office use that help concerned parents or employers find out the truth about their teen or employees. Likewise, drug testing procedures assist employers in creating a workplace drug testing program that ensures the safety and wellbeing of their employees while still protecting their rights.

On Site Drug Testing

Substance abuse testing works by means of testing a sample from an individual to find out if drug use has occurred. On site drug testing is typically best for the office and workplace environments as the results can be obtained quickly and action can be taken immediately. On site drug testing can occur in a number of ways. urinalysis is the most common drug testing products. It works great as an on site drug test because after a sample is taken, test results are typically available within a few minutes.

Saliva (oral) drug testing is also a convenient means of substance abuse testing. After a collector sponge is saturated in the donor’s saliva, it is placed in a testing device from which results can be read. Spray drug testing is also convenient, but not quite as effective as other drug testing products. Lastly, hair drug testing is probably one of the most accurate drug testing products on the market. While it requires a laboratory to obtain results, this form of on site drug testing requires only a few strands of hair follicles as sample.

Drug Testing Procedures

Creating a drug testing program can be a viable option for employers who wish to increase productivity, lessen the likelihood of jobsite accidents and insurance claims, and maintain a safe working environment for all. In order to organize drug testing procedures for the workplace, it is advisable to seek legal counsel to ensure your company’s program does not violate any federal or state laws or individual rights. Additionally, a clearly written workplace drug testing policy and procedure is required in order for the program to be carried out smoothly. An effective on site drug testing policy will detail when and where the drug testing procedures will be carried out, who will be conducting the tests and disciplinary action to be expected should an individual test positive for an illicit substance.

Another important aspect to take into consideration during the planning stages of drug testing procedures is when drug testing will take place. Deciding on whether or not you will enforce random drug testing, pre-employment screening or only suspicion-based testing gives you as an employer a better idea of how many testing kits required for a given year.

Drug Testing Products

Drug testing products are efficient and effective at screening for drug use. As an employer, it is vital to choose a drug testing product that is easy to use as well as accurate.

Parents also benefit from drug testing products that provide on site results. If you suspect your teen is using drugs, a simple urinalysis after they get home from a party will provide the answers you need. Substance abuse testing used to be reserved to laboratories, but now, anyone can conduct a drug test in order to create a safer and healthier environment for all.

There are different drug testing methods available in the market, and it could be confusing to understand which one of those methods will fit your needs and goals. This article will help you understand the basics of drug testing at home or workplace. Basic drug testing procedures and workplace drug policy could be the key to success.