What are Bath Salts?

Synthetic stimulants that are marketed as “bath salts” are often found in a number of retail products. These synthetic stimulants are chemicals. The chemicals are synthetic derivatives of cathinone, a central nervous system stimulant, which is an active chemical found naturally in the khat plant. Mephedrone and MDPV (3-4 methylene- which is an active chemical found naturally in the khat plant. Many of dioxypyrovalerone) are two of the designer cathinones most commonly found in these “bath salt” products. Many of these products are sold over the Internet, in convenience stores, and in “head shops.” 

What does it Look Like?

Legal Status

On Friday, October 21, 2011, DEA published a final order in the Federal Register exercising its emergency scheduling authority to control three synthetic stimulants that are used to make bath salts, including: Mephedrone, 3,4 methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and Methylone. Except as authorized by law, this action makes possessing and selling these chemicals, or the products that contain them, illegal in the United States. This emergency action was selling these chemicals, or the products that contain them, illegal in the United States. This emergency action was necessary to prevent an imminent threat to the public safety. The temporary scheduling action will remain in effect for at least one year while the DEA and the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) further study whether these chemicals should be permanently controlled. As a result of this order, these synthetic stimulants are designated as Schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act.

Testing Options

• Integrated Urine Cup Test
• Urine Dip Card Test

What are Barbiturates?

Barbiturates are depressants that produce a wide spectrum of central nervous system depression from mild sedation to coma. They have also been used as sedatives, hypnotics, anesthetics, and anticonvulsants. Barbiturates are classified as Ultrashort, Short, Intermediate, Long-acting. Barbiturates were first introduced for medical use in the 1900s, and today about 12 substances are in medical use.

Common Symptoms

Effects of overdose include:

What does it Look Like?

Barbiturates come in a variety of multicolored pills and tablets. Abusers prefer the short-acting and intermediate barbiturates such as Amytal® and Seconal®.

Legal Status

Barbiturates are Schedule II, III, and IV depressants under the Controlled Substances Act. Barbiturates were first introduced for medical use in the 1900s, and today about 12 substances are in medical use.

Testing Options

• Integrated Urine Cup Test
• Urine Dip Card Test
• Oral Fluid Test

What is Alcohol

Alcohol is one of the most used and abused, yet widely accepted, drug of abuse being one of the oldest consumed substances around the world. People from all over the world use alcohol for many different reason but one of the main uses of alcohol is drinking it. It is important to know that not all alcohol is drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol, also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol, is produced by the fermentation of fruits, grains, or other sources of sugar and depending on this process will dictate the strength, or alcohol content, of a beverage. When alcohol is consumed your body will start to metabolize it producing what is called Ethyl Glucuronide (ETG), a metabolite of ethanol. Since ETG is a metabolite produced by the body after consumption you are able to detect positive trace amounts within a persons urine up to 80 hours from a person last drink, making it a desirable choice for alcohol screen testing.

Common Symptoms of Use

• Reduced inhibitions
• Slurred speech
• Motor impairment
• Confusion
• Memory problems
• Concentration problems
• Coma
• Breathing problems
• Death

What does it Look Like?

Ethanol, or drinking alcohol, comes in liquid form and can vary in color, ranging from clear to dark brown and amber, as well as potency.

Legal Status

Alcohol is legal to purchase and consume it most part of the world with some age restrictions. Currently the legal drinking age in the United States is 21.

Testing Options

• Integrated Urine Cup Test
• Urine Dip Card Test
• Oral Fluid Test
• Breathalyizer (B.A.C. Test)

What is Amphetamine

Amphetamines are stimulants that speed up the body’s system. Many are legally prescribed and used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Amphetamine was first marketed in the 1930s as Benzedrine® in an over-the-counter inhaler to treat nasal congestion. By 1937 amphetamine was available by prescription in tablet form and was used in the treatment of the sleeping disorder, narcolepsy, and ADHD. Over the years, the use and abuse of clandestinely produced amphetamines have spread. Today, clandestine laboratory production of amphetamines has mushroomed, and the abuse of the drug is on the rise.

Window of Detection

From 2-5 hours after use up to 2-4 days (Urine)

1-3 Days (Saliva)

Common Symptoms of Use

Physical effects of amphetamine use include increased blood pressure and pulse rates, insomnia, loss of appetite, and physical exhaustion.

Overdose effects include agitation, increased body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, and possible death.

What does it Look Like?

Legal Status

Testing Options

• Integrated Urine Test Cup
• Urine Dip Card Test
• Oral Fluid Test
• Field Test