Drug testing, also known as a “dope test,” is an essential instrument in the fight against drug addiction.
Due to the rise in drug abuse in many sectors of the world economy, countries are enforcing strict laws that make drug use illegal. As a result, drug testing is now customary in many countries, including Bangladesh.
But even with its extensive use, many people are still ignorant of the idea and intent behind drug testing. We’ll explore what a dope test is, why it’s done, and how it helps identify drug users in this blog.
What is a dope test?
Dope test is to check whether a certain drug is present in the body of an animal from a sample of any part of its body.
For example, many times a player or other animal participating in the game (such as dogs, horses) uses various types of drugs to enhance performance.
As a result they naturally perform better than other competitors. And so the method used in almost all countries of the world to identify drug users is called dope test.
Or we can say, the medical test which is done to check whether a person is addicted to drugs or not is called dope test.
Because, those who regularly take drugs or alcohol, some amount of that addictive substance remains in their body. And that was caught through the dope test.
Again, sometimes students take different drugs to remember their studies. Even workers in various jobs use drugs to stay focused at work.
The consequences of which are almost always dire. Therefore, the use of these drugs is punishable by law in almost all countries.
Why and who do dope tests?
Nowadays, from teenagers to the very old age, people of all ages are getting addicted to drugs. And the number of these drug addicts is constantly increasing.
Drug addicts are now a threat to society. A drug addict is a real threat especially in education. Dope test is done mainly for these reasons. Besides, the dope test is done for many other reasons.
Dope tests are conducted for various purposes, including :
- Identifying drug addicts within society.
- Screening players in sports for fair play and integrity.
- Assessing candidates during entry into government or semi-government jobs.
- Determining eligibility for admission to universities.
- Enforcing traffic laws and ensuring road safety.
- Facilitating the acquisition of a driving license.
- Meeting requirements for international travel.
- Serving forensic needs in legal proceedings.
- Evaluating applicants for arms licenses and other permits.
How to do a dope test?
In many countries around the world, commercially produced test kits are commonly used to detect the presence of drugs in urine for dope testing.
Again, as a result of this test, another test is done. Which is relatively more accurate and less time consuming than the primary test.
How dope test is done is written below in detail :
Dope testing is done through a urine test.
Its presence can be detected by testing oral saliva after consuming any drug. For example, the presence of this narcotic substance can be detected through oral saliva tests up to 10 hours after consumption of gaza.
Blood test is one of the ways to check whether there is any presence of drugs in your body. A blood test in the body gives accurate results for the presence of drugs.
Even in the case of dope tests, hair tests are used to detect drugs.
Again, the traffic police detect drugs by breath testing suspected drivers through alcohol detectors.
What drugs are detected during the dope test?
Bangladesh Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) for short. According to a draft prepared by them, certain drugs are tested in the dope test.
For example, diazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, temazepam, codeine, morphine, heroin, cocaine, cannabis, hashish, alcohol or wine, phensedyl, yaba and LSD.
As per the draft of the DNC, the dope test tests for certain drugs. And if the chemical components of these drugs are found in someone’s body, then the result of his dope test can come positive.
The list of drugs is given below :-
Methamphetamine :– This is basically the main ingredient of yaba. Yaba is made by mixing methamphetamine and caffeine.
Alcohol :– All types of alcohol and alcoholic substances are detected through ethyl alcohol test in dope test.
Cannabionides :- Among these types of drugs, ganja or marijuana, cannabis, hashish are notable.
Benzodiazepines :- Among them, notable drugs are diazepam, clonazepam, midazolam.
Opioids :- Heroin, morphine, codeine are notable among such drugs.
Ways to avoid a dope test
A positive dope test result can cause many problems in many cases. Sometimes a career can be ruined for it. So the best way to avoid a dope test is to not take drugs.
And if someone is addicted to drugs then he should stop taking drugs before the dope test. And if the drug is taken, then after the drug leaves the body, a dope test should be done.
In most cases, a dope test should be done 3 months or more after stopping drug use. Because, it will be more likely that the results of the dope test will come negative.
Moreover, dope testing serves as a vital measure in combating the escalating issue of drug addiction across various sectors.
By detecting the presence of drugs in individuals, these tests play a crucial role in maintaining integrity in sports, ensuring safety on roads, upholding standards in employment and education, and addressing legal proceedings.
Through effective implementation and awareness, dope testing contributes significantly to fostering a drug-free and safer society.
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Writer
Rupsana Hasan
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE