By David Williams Hernandezd

There are various methods to check for drug abuse by an individual. Various testing methods like urine test, saliva test, hair test, sweat test are done to identify whether or not a specific drug or metabolite (substance formed after processing in body) is present in body. The time after last drug consumption for which the drug as metabolite can be detected is called the drug detection period. The range of detection periods depend on amount and frequency of drug use, type of drug, metabolic rate, body mass, age, sex, and overall health.

The five most commonly abused drugs are

Misusing metabolites of all these drugs also considered as drug abuse. In addition, misusing prescription drugs like Opioids also considered as drug abuse or substance abuse.

Urine Drug Testing:
The detection period for drug abuse depends on the pH level of the urine sample. For Marijuana, it is 2-3 days for single use and 12 days for chronic abuse. For Cocaine, it is 2-4 days (it may vary if there are any kidney disorders). The detection duration for opiate drugs like Heroin, Morphine, and Codeine is 2-4 days. For Amphetamine and Methamphetamine, detection period is 2-4 days and 3-5 days respectively. For Phencyclidine (PCP), it is 7-14 days for single use and 30 days for chronic abuse.

The detection period of Cannabis is 2 to 7 days for single use and 1 to 2 years for prolonged use. For Phenobarbital and Methadone, it is 7 to 14 days and 3-5 days respectively. For Barbiturates (except Phenobarbital) and Cotinine, it is 2-3 days and 2-4 days respectively. For LSD it is 2-24 hours and for Ecstasy (MDMA) it is 1-3 days.

Hair Drug testing:
The detection period for drugs is dependent on the length of the hair sample. The detection period for Marijuana is approximately 90 days as it is less sensitive compared to other drugs. For Cocaine is upto 90 days. And for opiate drugs like Heroin, Morphine, and Codeine, it is 90 days. For Amphetamine and Methamphetamine drug detection duration is 90 days. For Phencyclidine (PCP) it is 90 days.

The detection period for Cannabis is 2 to 7 days for single use and 1 to 2 years for prolonged use. The detection duration for Phenobarbital, Barbiturates, Cotinine, and Ecstasy is up to 90 days. The substance detection time for Methadone is upto 30 days. The detection time for LSD is up to 3 days.

Saliva Drug Testing:
The detection time for Marijuana is 12-24 hours in saliva drug testing. The detection time for Cocaine is 1-3 days. For opiate drugs Heroin, Morphine it is 1-3 days. The detection time for Amphetamine and Methamphetamine is 1-3 days. The detection time for Phencyclidine (PCP) is 1-3 days. The substance detection time for Cannabis is 2 days. For Phenobarbital it is 4 to 7 days. And for Methadone it is 24 hours. The detection time for Barbiturates (except Phenobarbital) is 1-2 days. The detection time for Cotinine is 2-4 days. The detection time for LSD is 0-3 hours. And for Ecstasy (MDMA) it is 24 hours.

The detection period for hair drug testing is high. Urine drug tests can be performed clinically and also at home, to know if kids and adults are abused to drugs or not. Hair drug tests and Saliva drug tests are often conducted at work places and schools to prevent substance adulteration. Substance testing guidelines and procedures, for laboratory drug testing, are created and controlled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The above mentioned information helps to understand drug testing methods and detection periods of commonly abused drugs.

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