Mental Health and Substance Abuse

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and a very heavy topic in general.  The unfortunate death of Naomi Judd last month has highlighted the tragic result of mental illness.  Robin Williams, Anthony Bourdain, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Whitney Houston, Marilyn Monroe, Chester Bennington, and Curt Kobain are just a few of the celebrities who died as a result of their mental illness. 

However someone chooses to go -many died as a result of a purposeful or accidental overdose on drugs.  All were struggling with and suffering from depression and substance abuse prior to their deaths.  

Even though more and more celebrities are coming forward and speaking publicly about their own struggles with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, there is still a stigma attached to the topic in our society. 

Progress has been made since it is being talked about publicly, but it is still basically a taboo subject that makes people uncomfortable and causes others to jump to conclusions and be judgemental. 

So people suffer in silence. 

Many people struggle with their inner demons on their own.  They don’t seek professional help because then people would know.  People would talk and judge and blame. So they think they better deal with it on their own. 

People suffering from mental illness oftentimes self-medicate with alcohol or other substances to quiet the anxiety so they can pretend everything is ok when they are around people.  It helps them “appear normal” so no one suspects and they can keep their secret. 

When they are alone, it helps them escape the darkness of their depression if only for a little while.  Some people consume to the point of oblivion or pass out just so they don’t have to deal with things for a while.  It is the only way to quiet the voices and get a little peace. It is very sad really.

Even people who have consulted a professional and are open with their mental health issues struggle to cope at some level every day.  Perhaps a loved one or employee had struggles in the past, but they “are doing better now”. 

They may have been open in the past about their struggles, but don’t want to let everyone down now by relapsing, so they keep it a secret. 

You never really know what someone is going through.  They may be drowning in the darkness behind that bright smile they present to the world. It is what is expected of them.  

Not everyone who is using substances or alcohol is mentally ill, but if at some point the using becomes abusing, it needs to be addressed. 

Prolonged substance abuse can lead to mental health issues.  Some people hide it very well, but if you are watchful and pay attention, there are signs.

By paying attention and intervening, if possible, you may save someone’s life.  They may be struggling silently and in desperate need of help but unable to ask for it. 

A few things to watch for that would indicate a substance use issue:

  • Is there an unusual odor on their breath or clothes?
  • Are their pupils unusually large or small pinpoints?
  • Are their eyes bloodshot?
  • Are they unusually jittery and shaky? 
  • Is there an excessive amount of sniffling and nose rubbing going on? 
  • Are they slurring their speech?
  • Have trouble walking or other basic coordination?
  • Exhibiting fear and paranoia for no reason?

Over time you might notice the following concerning changes:

  • Extreme weight changes
  • Changes in grooming habits, deteriorating appearance
  • Mood swings
  • Personality changes or cycles
  • Becoming secretive and withdrawn

Again, not everyone using something to relax is mentally ill.  The key is noticing when the casual recreational usage crosses the line to dependence. 

There is a reason for it.  It is a tool for dealing with something. 

Getting professional help doesn’t necessarily make it all go away, but it gives assistance and other healthier tools for dealing with the issues.  Self-medicating is not the answer.  

If you suspect someone you love or are responsible for is struggling with substance use issues, a drug screening is a good place to start.  It will give you the knowledge to decide how to move forward.  Perhaps your company is a forward-thinking company that provides mental health support to its employees.  It is always better to catch a problem before it gets so big that the person no longer knows how to deal with it and chooses to end their life.  

By intervening in the drug use issue, you may be helping to save a life.  No appointment is necessary to have a drug screening done.  Bring your loved one or send your employee by the clinic and take the first step to get the needed help to uncover the true issues.  IPE Screening does not require a doctor, insurance, or an appointment.  

Take a Dry Weekend – DOT Consortium

Keep updated with IPE Screening DOT Consortium/TPA.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month.  The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence recommends having a Prohibition weekend – No alcohol or drugs from Friday through Monday. At the end of the weekend, you evaluate how difficult it was to go without any alcohol or drugs.  Did you have headaches and trouble sleeping over the weekend? Any sweating or nausea? Possibly not make it all the way through the weekend without drinking or popping pills?  If the “dry weekend” was a challenge, you might have a dependence issue.  

Link Between Alcohol and Drugs

Studies have shown that people who are dependent on alcohol are likely to also use drugs.  The reverse is also true, people with drug dependence are prone to drinking. This is not all that surprising since they are both addiction issues.

It is not unusual for people to have a drink after a hard day at work to unwind and relax. A nice glass of wine or an ice-cold beer, especially on a hot day.  A lot of people get together and drink socially on the weekends or for special occasions. There are lots of responsible ways to enjoy alcohol. 

Unfortunately, a lot of people use drugs and alcohol to escape their problems and deal with stress.  The Covid pandemic and resulting controlling measures that were put into place to try to deal with the virus caused a spike in drug overdoses.  The number of people using drugs and alcohol to excess in an effort to cope rose dramatically. Deaths from drug overdoses also rose over the last two years.  

Destruction

The problem with abusing drugs and alcohol is that it doesn’t just affect the person doing the abusing.  If it is a parent of children still at home, there can be physical abuse when they lose their temper.  Maybe “just” neglect because they can’t provide the necessary care because they are too wasted to care for the children. Mental abuse and neglect. Addiction is the gift that just keeps on giving…misery. 

Employment is usually a challenge for the addicted.  Some can control their drinking and drug use until after working hours, others cannot. They are usually fired for getting caught using/drinking on the job, missing too many days of work (from calling out due to hangovers), or being unable to get along with co-workers/management.

The liability of having an employee who is addicted to drugs or alcohol should be of great concern to an employer. Even if they are not actively using while on the job, their judgment and reflexes can still be impaired the next day depending on the severity of the usage the night before.  Did they get enough sleep? Do they smell like a brewery? Are there still drugs in their system? They can damage equipment, get themselves hurt, or worse, hurt someone else. As their employer, you would be liable for their actions while they are at work. 

How to Protect Your Company?  

If your company deals with the Department of Transportation (DOT), you are already familiar with the DOT Drug Testing requirement. You must have a system in place for conducting random drug testing on a set schedule and documenting everything.  Depending upon the size of your operation, that can be expensive and quite an administrative headache.  

Even if your business doesn’t employ CDL drivers or deal with the DOT, implementing a program like the DOT Consortium Drug TPA for your company is a good insurance policy. Having a pre-hiring drug screening policy can save you headaches later on.  Rather than deal with the fallout of an employee on drugs, wouldn’t it be better to have not hired them in the first place? Also, having a random testing policy in place gives you the option to catch things as they pop up.

But you are busy running your company and don’t have time to deal with all the scheduling, testing, and tracking. That is where a DOT Drug Testing Consortium comes into play.  An independent lab, like IPE Screening, administers the program for you. No matter what type of testing you need to do, IPE Screening can help you administer your program and control your costs. More information is available here or give IPE Screening a call at 417-881-2522.

Let IPE Screening Be Your Lab Partner

Before we talk about lab testing, I would like to take a moment to thank all the medical personnel who are once again swamped as the country is in the midst of another Coronavirus spike.  Many professionals are burned out from the past year and are leaving the profession. Thank you for your dedication, sacrifices, and service.  I wish you success in your newly chosen paths. For those still fighting the good fight, thank you. May you and your family be protected.

Are you a Private Practice in Springfield, Missouri or the Surrounding Area?

You have invested a lot of time and money in acquiring knowledge and getting your medical license.  You have chosen to open a private practice in the Southwest Missouri area. There are so many things needed to run a successful independent private clinic.  You have definitely picked the perfect location if you have set up in or around Springfield. In addition to finding the right people to work in your office, and getting patients, you need to find vendors for supplies and services.  

One very important service you will need is lab testing. So many diagnostic decisions are based on the results of different tests. The tests are necessary to answer questions about what is going on inside the patient. When you are working in a hospital, there is a whole section dedicated to running those tests. When you are an independent doctor with a private practice, you have choices.  Choices that can benefit both you and your patients. Sometimes, an answer is crucial and time can be your enemy.  You need answers fast.  Having a partnership with IPE Screening can help expedite those answers. IPE Screening can provide quick access to tests and their results for a fraction of the cost of the big clinics and hospitals.  IPE Screening can get your customers in quickly, conduct the necessary tests, and have them on their way to continue their day. Then get you the answers you need to make informed treatment decisions.

Affordable Lab Testing for your Private Practice

Controlling costs is always a challenge in any business.  Controlling medical costs almost seems impossible these days.  IPE Screening would like to partner with independent doctors, chiropractors, and holistic practitioners to help you keep your patients healthy without breaking the bank.  You will have an easier time keeping your patients coming to your private practice if they aren’t experiencing sticker shock every time they need routine blood work done. More of your patients might be willing to participate in wellness checks because you will be able to keep your prices lower than the big clinics. Healthier patients, increased bottom line, reliable lab partner.  Everybody wins!

Already have your private clinic established? Perhaps it is time to reevaluate some parts of the business.  Namely, your lab testing arrangements.  A great way to build goodwill with your patients is to help them keep their costs down and respect their busy schedules.  IPE Screening can help you do both.

At IPE Screening we offer:

    • No Office Visit Fees.
    • No Phlebotomy Fees.
    • Collections for kits from special labs
    • Reasonable Prices – Lower Cost than Other Major Lab Companies, and in many instances, less than a patient’s co-pay.
    • We are a Preferred Collection Site for Quest Diagnostic and Lab Corp
    • We accept: HSA Cards | Cash | Most Major Credit Cards | Lab Cards | Checks

*No Other Insurance is Accepted

Please contact us so we can discuss IPE Screening being your Lab Partner for your private clinic, chiropractic, or holistic practice. 

Urine Drug – Lab Only

A Urine Drug Test will determine the presence or absence of drugs in a urine sample collected at the time of the test.

The 5-Panel Urine Drug Test provides quantifiable results across a 1 to 4-day standard testing time frame for all but Marijuana, which has a 1 to 28-day detection period.

This tests the presence of the following drug metabolites:

  • Amphetamines/Methamphetamines – 1,000 ng/mg+
  • Cocaine – 300 ng/mL+
  • Opiates – 2,000 ng/mg+
  • Phencyclidine – 25 ng/mg+
  • Marijuana (THC) – 50 ng/mg+

The 10-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test provides quantifiable results across a 1 to 4-day standard testing time frame for all but Marijuana, which has a 1 to 28-day detection period.

This tests the presence of the following drug metabolites:

  • Amphetamines/Methamphetamines – 1,000 ng/mg+
  • Barbiturate – 300 ng/mL+
  • Benzodiazepine – 300 ng/mL+
  • Cocaine – 300 ng/mL+
  • Marijuana (THC) – 50 ng/mg+
  • Methadone – 300 ng/mL+
  • Opiates – 2,000 ng/mg+
  • Phencyclidine – 25 ng/mg+
  • Propoxyphene – 300 ng/mL+

The following can be added to any laboratory:

  • Ecstasy
  • Synthetic Opiate
  • Demerol
  • Tramadol
  • K2
  • Bath Salts
  • Cotinine
  • SOMA ETG Urine Alcohol
  • Steroids Panel
  • Buprenorphine
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants
  • Ketamine

Specimens are sent to the laboratory nightly. After a sample reaches the lab, next day results are available if negative. If non-negative, results will take 3 to 5 business days.

If you would like faster results, please consider our Rapid Urine Drug testing.

Call (417) 881-2522 to schedule a Urine Drug Test in Springfield MO today!

Rapid Urine Drug

Rapid Urine Drug

A Rapid Urine Drug Test will determine the presence or absence of drugs in a urine sample collected at the time of the test.

The 5-Panel Rapid Urine Drug Test provides rapid machine read results in 15 minutes if negative. If non-negative, the specimen will be sent to the lab and results will be reported in 3 to 5 business days.

This tests the presence of the following drug metabolites:

  • Amphetamines/Methamphetamines – 1,000 ng/mg+
  • Cocaine – 300 ng/mL+
  • Opiates – 2,000 ng/mg+
  • Phencyclidine – 25 ng/mg+
  • Marijuana (THC) – 50 ng/mg+

The 10-Panel Rapid Urine Drug Test provides rapid machine read results in 15 minutes if negative. If non-negative, the specimen will be sent to the lab and results will be reported in 3 to 5 business days.

This tests the presence of the following drug metabolites:

  • Amphetamines/Methamphetamines – 1,000 ng/mg+
  • Barbiturate – 300 ng/mL+
  • Benzodiazepine – 300 ng/mL+
  • Cocaine – 300 ng/mL+
  • Marijuana (THC) – 50 ng/mg+
  • Methadone – 300 ng/mL+
  • Opiates – 2,000 ng/mg+
  • Phencyclidine – 25 ng/mg+
  • Propoxyphene – 300 ng/mL+

The following can be added to any laboratory:

  • Ecstasy
  • Synthetic Opiate
  • Demerol
  • Tramadol
  • K2
  • Bath Salts
  • Cotinine
  • SOMA ETG Urine Alcohol
  • Steroids Panel
  • Buprenorphine
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants
  • Ketamine

Call (417) 881-2522 to schedule a Rapid Urine Drug Test in Springfield MO today!

Heavy Metals

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals testing is used to screen for or to diagnose heavy metal poisoning in those who may have been acutely or chronically exposed to one or more heavy metals and to monitor excessive metal concentrations in those who work with various heavy metals. Such occupations include construction work, mining, radiator repair shops, and firing ranges. Testing is also conducted to monitor the effectiveness of chelation therapy, a treatment to rid the body of high amounts of a heavy metal.

Care must be taken in the interpretation of heavy metals tests. A low level of a heavy metal in the blood does not necessarily mean that excessive exposure has not occurred. Heavy metals do not stay in the blood and will not be present in the urine for extended periods of time. Lead, for instance, migrates from the blood into the body’s organs and over time is incorporated into the bones. If someone was chronically exposed to lead, then that person might have lead in his or her blood, urine, organs, and bones.

Call (417) 881-2522 to schedule a Heavy Metals Test in Springfield MO today!

Breath Alcohol (BA)

Breath Alcohol (BA)

Breath alcohol testing is performed when it is suspected that someone is intoxicated. Ethyl alcohol is an intoxicating ingredient found in beer, wine, and liquor. Alcohol is produced by the fermentation of yeast, sugars, and starches.

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that is rapidly absorbed from the stomach into the bloodstream. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver but the liver can only metabolize a small amount of alcohol at a time, leaving the excess alcohol to circulate throughout the bloodstream.

The immediate effects of alcohol on the body are directly related to the amount consumed. Individual reactions to alcohol vary and are influenced by many factors such as age, gender and the amount of food consumed before drinking.

In most states, a person with an alcohol level of great than 0.08% is considered legally intoxicated. Some states and employers have stricter regulations.

≤0.02% BAC is considered negative by most employers. For results above 0.02%, a second confirmation retest may be needed. High levels could indicate that a person is under the influence of alcohol within 2 hours of consumption.

Call (417) 881-2522 to schedule a Breath Alcohol (BA) Test in Springfield MO today.

Oral Fluid (Saliva) Drug 

Oral Fluid (Saliva) Drug 

This non-invasive drug test uses saliva as the testing specimen. It provides detection for recent use of Amphetamines/Methamphetamines, Cocaine, Opiates, Phencyclidine, and Marijuana.

Oral fluid drug testing uses an oral fluid swab collection method. The donor can collect his or her own sample onsite in the presence of a disinterested third-party collector, making this test non-invasive and always under direct observation.

Negative results are available the same day. Non-negative results are confirmed utilizing or gas chromatography (GC)/mass spectrometry (MS).

Call (417) 881-2522 to schedule an Oral Fluid (Saliva) Drug Test in Springfield MO today!

Urine Drug

Urine Drug

A Urine Drug Test will determine the presence or absence of drugs in a urine sample collected at the time of the test.

The 5-Panel Urine Drug Test provides quantifiable results across a 1 to 4-day standard testing time frame for all but Marijuana, which has a 1 to 28-day detection period. This tests the presence of the following drug metabolites:

  • Amphetamines/Methamphetamines – 1,000 ng/mg+
  • Cocaine – 300 ng/mL+
  • Opiates – 2,000 ng/mg+
  • Phencyclidine – 25 ng/mg+
  • Marijuana (THC) – 50 ng/mg+

The 10-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test provides quantifiable results across a 1 to 4-day standard testing time frame for all but Marijuana, which has a 1 to 28-day detection period. This tests the presence of the following drug metabolites:

  • Amphetamines/Methamphetamines – 1,000 ng/mg+
  • Barbiturate – 300 ng/mL+
  • Benzodiazepine – 300 ng/mL+
  • Cocaine – 300 ng/mL+
  • Marijuana (THC) – 50 ng/mg+
  • Methadone – 300 ng/mL+
  • Opiates – 2,000 ng/mg+
  • Phencyclidine – 25 ng/mg+
  • Propoxyphene – 300 ng/mL+

The following can be added to any laboratory:

  • Ecstasy
  • Synthetic Opiate
  • Demerol
  • Tramadol
  • K2
  • Bath Salts
  • Cotinine
  • SOMA ETG Urine Alcohol
  • Steroids Panel
  • Buprenorphine
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants
  • Ketamine

Specimens are sent to the laboratory nightly. After a sample reaches the lab, next day results are available if negative. If non-negative, results will take 3 to 5 business days.

If you would like faster results, please consider our Rapid Urine Drug testing.

Call (417) 881-2522 to schedule a Urine Drug Test in Springfield MO today!

Hair Follicle Drug

Hair Follicle Drug

A Hair Follicle Drug Test will determine the presence or absence of drugs in a hair sample by taking a small sample of hair from several inconspicuous spots on the head.

The 5-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test provides quantifiable results across a 7 to 90-day standard testing time frame for the presence of the following drug metabolites:

  • Amphetamines/Methamphetamines – 300 pg/mg+
  • Cocaine – 300 pg/mL+
  • Opiates – 500pg/mg+
  • Phencyclidine – 300 pg/mg+
  • Marijuana (THC) – 1pg/mg+

The 9-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test provides quantifiable results across a 7 to 90-day standard testing time frame for the presence of the following drug metabolites:

  • Amphetamines/Methamphetamines – 300 pg/mg+
  • Cocaine – 300 pg/mL+
  • Opiates – 500pg/mg+
  • Phencyclidine – 300 pg/mg+
  • Marijuana (THC) – 1pg/mg+
  • Ecstasy
  • Oxycodone
  • Oxymorphone
  • Hydromorphone

Specimens are sent to the laboratory nightly. After a sample reaches the lab, next day results are available if negative. If non-negative, results will take 3 to 5 business days.

The following can be added to any laboratory:

  • Ecstasy
  • Synthetic Opiate
  • Demerol
  • Tramadol
  • K2
  • Bath Salts
  • Cotinine
  • SOMA ETG Urine Alcohol
  • Steroids Panel
  • Buprenorphine
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants
  • Ketamine

Call (417) 881-2522 to schedule a Hair Follicle Drug Test in Springfield MO today.