Employee Drug Tests

Reasons For Anabolic Steroid Testing

Why should there be anabolic steroid testing in sports? After all, a swimmer taking steroids cannot endanger national security, as he or she does not have access to defense secrets. A group of bodybuilders on anabolic steroids are not a danger to the public, unless someone steals their creatine or whey protein!

There are, truly  two reasons for drug testing in sports given by sports’ federations. The first is to ensure fairness among athletes by prohibiting the use of performance enhancing drugs. The second is to protect the health of the athlete by prohibiting the use of drugs such as anabolic steroids that could be harmful.

Let us begin with a technical discussion of how drug tests work and how accurate they are. We’ll then discuss the countermeasures used by athletes to try to beat anabolic steroid testing.

A Brief History Of Drug Tests

The International Olympic Commission (IOC) carries out the most accurate and accurate of all drug- testing programs. The IOC began drug testing at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. At first only tests for amphetamines and other related performance enhancing drugs were carried out. Anabolic steroids, as a group were added to the list of banned substances in 1973. The first Olympics in which tests for anabolic steroids, was carried out was the Montreal Olympics in 1976.

Drug Tests

Urinalysis

The most frequently used drug test for Anabolic steroid testing is urinalysis. The bodybuilder or other athlete is notified of the test after being awarded first, second or third place in a competition. Athletes who competed, but did not place in the top three, may also be chosen at random to be tested. The person must present himself/herself to the testing site immediately after the awards ceremony. The athlete is asked to urinate in the presence of an official to prevent sample tampering. The urine sample is divided into two samples: sample one is stored under close security, only to be used pending the outcome of tests on sample two. Sample two, the test sample, is then subjected to various forms of chemical analysis. One of the most commonly used tests is the gas chromatography procedure.

GAS Chromatography

In this test a chromatograph converts the urine into gas, screening out traces of forbidden compounds. Under pressure the gas passes through very sensitive columns, which separate the various substances into easily detectable components. If metabolites (breakdown products) of anabolic steroids are detected, the next step is to use a device called a mass spectrometer to determine exactly which steroids are in the athlete’s sample.

Liquid Chromatography

Instead of using the gas chromatography method, a variation known as liquid chromatography may be used for anabolic steroid testing. Once again, specialized columns of chemicals are used. The liquid urine is exposed to these columns, and the various constituents of the urine climb the columns to different levels. Drug components can be separated by color and distance

Radioimmunoassay (RIA)

This kind of test was developed in the early seventies, and was considered at the time to be the end-all to drug use in sports. Because RIA involves the use of radioactive isotopes, the number of laboratories which can carry out this test are limited. For this procedure, radioactive isotopes and specific foreign substance antibodies are added to a urine sample. If no banned steroids are present, the antibodies and isotopes combine and can be filtered out of the solution. There would be no remaining radioactivity in the sample. In a positive sample, the antibodies do not combine with the isotopes, and radioactivity remains. The chromatography and mass spectrometer tests are considered the top of the line in anabolic steroid testing, and have replaced RIA tests.

Testosterone Ratio Testing

In the past, male athletes who knew that competitors at a particular event were to be tested for steroids, would simply discontinue the use of the steroids well before the competition. When they stopped anabolic steroid use, they substituted pure testosterone. The purpose was to maintain strength, size, and other performance gains.

Researchers and drug testers became aware of this countermeasure and in response they developed a counter-countermeasure. As testosterone is broken down, one of its breakdown products, epitestosterone, is produced. The normal ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone is 1:1. When an athlete takes artificial testosterone, the amount of testosterone in the urine is increased, but the amount of epitestosterone excreted does not change. Therefore the ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone increases dramatically. If the athlete’s ratio exceeds 6:1, the athlete is disqualified. For example, one powerlifter was tested and his ratio was 100:1!

Not only is the ratio indicative of testosterone use by an athlete, it also reveals to the tester whether or not the individual was using high levels of anabolic steroids. When an athlete uses anabolic steroids, the body’s own testosterone levels are reduced dramatically. When the user stops taking steroids, the body’s own testosterone production resumes, to bring testosterone levels back to the pre-steroid state. In some cases, the athlete’s body over-produces testosterone, thus shifting the testosterone to epitestosterone ratio upwards, past the acceptable upper limit of 6:1.

Testing Accuracy

From 1986 to 1988, Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson was tested 19 times for anabolic steroids at various competitions. Although he was using anabolic steroids throughout this period, all tests were negative. Even in 1988, Olympic athletes using steroids managed to pass sophisticated IOC anabolic steroid tests. More than 50 male athletes who competed in the Seoul Olympics were later found to have used anabolic steroids in the six months prior to the games. These results came to light after a more sophisticated testing procedure was carried out on 1100 urine samples (collected during the games), which had been stored.

The present detection capabilities for some steroids are in the .25 mg (nanogram) range. This means that the specific metabolites for a drug such as Deca-durabolin can be measured, even when they exist in a concentration of one quarter part per billion! In most cases the lab tests can detect steroid use for only if the steroid is exerting a physiological effect on the athlete’s system.

There are numerous factors that increase or decrease a bodybuilder’s chances of passing or failing an anabolic steroid test. These include:

o  The type of anabolic steroids used

o  How long the individual was on the drugs

o  The dosages used

o  The purity of the steroids

o  The type of steroid cycle followed

o  The individual’s genetics

It is because of these factors that bodybuilders and other athletes have developed a whole series of anabolic steroid test counter measures to be drug tests.

Have you ever met someone who was a superstar of humanity and told them; “we ought to make you President.” In fact, I have and one person that I recently made that statement to, retorted; “well you’d have to be on drugs to run for President.” Then we got into a lengthy debate and discussion on this topic, in fact  it seems someone would have to be on drugs to want to be President.

So then, well, we ought to give mandatory drug tests to anyone running for President and if they pass and they are not taking drugs we then need to get them psychiatric help for their mental conditions, because they have to be crazy or have completely lost their marbles. Besides, how come we test nearly all government workers for drugs that are in important positions, but we do not test the politicians who make the laws governing how the government will run?

If someone running for President is a sociopath, schizophrenic, of low IQ or just plain nuts, we clearly cannot allow them all this media coverage, which will further spread their insanity. That makes sense right? Okay, then if they are not crazy and they still want run for President, then we need mandatory drug tests, because if we are going to test athletes for drugs then we need to test others in important positions too.

Of course, I know you agree with this mandatory drug testing humor, but how can we administer it, as politicians move around so much while running for President? Well, we make the microphone a breath-a-lizer that can test for an assortment of illegal drugs and alcohol too. Think on this.

Prostate cancer cures lay in the various forms of treatments available as therapy for the disease.

Common Treatments for Prostate Cancer

Radiation, hormone therapy, radical prostatecomy, chemotherapy, and cryotherapy, which seeks to destroy cancer cells by freezing them, are amongst the most common treatments for prostate cancer, and the closet modern medicine has come to finding prostate cancer cures.

Radiation for prostate cancer treatment involves the use of external-beam radiation therapy, and radioactive seed implants.

Prostate cancer hormone therapy implements the use of drugs to stop the biological production of male sex hormones. Androgens are male sex hormones that have been clinical linked to the development of prostate cancer when produced in excess.

Radical prostatecomy is the surgical removal of the prostate gland. There are two radical prostatecomy surgical procedures available, retropubic surgery, and perineal surgery. The retropubic surgery removes the prostate gland through an incision placed below the navel. The perineal surgery features an incision for removal placed between the anus and scrotum.

Conventional Prostate Cancer Medications

Luteinizing hormone-releasing analogs (LHRH) are designed to lower testosterone levels. Such prostate cancer medications are administered via injections and can be given monthly or every three, six, or nine months. Many metastases (with the cancer spreading outside of the prostate gland) prostate cancer patients choose this round of prostate cancer treatments as opposed to a surgical removal of their testicles.

Plenaxis is the newest LHRH antagonists. The drug works to lower testosterone but does not cause a sharp rise in testosterone levels before taking affect, as LHRH analogs do. LHRH antagonists can only be used in men who are not able to use other forms of hormonal treatment. Abarelix, Lupron, Zoladex, Eulexin, and Casodex are other common types of LHRH antagonists.

Locating Prostate Cancer Cures Through Clinical Trials

Clinical trials serves as one way of finding prostate cancer cures. All prostate cancer medications must take pass the three phases required to gain approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

Phase I of the clinical trials test the safety of a new drug. The second clinical phase is designed to determine how the proposed new prostate cancer treatment works. Patients are given the drug in high doses during this phase. The patients are watched to see what effect the test drug has on their prostate cancer. The final phase of clinical trial testing pits test medications against standard treatments. A control group is given dosages of the test drug while a second group uses standard methods of medicine-with the effects documented.

The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) is an agency of the Justice Department. They are a federal law enforcement agency. You might see this type of law enforcement being shown on Spike Television under the title “DEA”. If you get a chance, check it out. It will enlighten you about what a DEA agent does and the gritty nature of this premier unit.

The main mission of a Drug Enforcement Administration agent is to enforce the controlled substance laws and to bring to justice those who violate those laws by growing, manufacturing or distributing illicit controlled substances. There is no glamour in this type of career, but it is very rewarding to those who put their lives on the line to keep the flow of illegal drugs off the streets and out of the hands of adults and children.

What does it take to become a DEA Agent?

Those who want to apply for a position with the DEA will need to have some experience with law enforcement or the legal system. The DEA will only accept the most outstanding applicants because this agency is constantly being challenged to keep our country safe.

If you want to become a Drug Enforcement Administration agent, you will need to have a better understanding of what it takes to join this elite group. You will find that people with bachelor’s or master’s degree have a better chance of being considered.

Having a criminal justice degree or past experience as a police officer will give you an advantage over the other applicants. If you are fluent in another language such as Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese or Russian, then you are among the most sought after candidates.

What does it take to get a DEA Agent job?

The requirements to obtain a coveted position with the DEA are as follows. You need to be a United States citizen, you will need to be over 21 years of age but not older than 37. There will be a medical exam that includes a physical; if you have a hearing aide, it’ll disqualify you from the test.

There will also be a psychological and in-depth interview session. Your past drug use will need to be explained. This isn’t grounds for dismissal but very important because you will be given a polygraph test. You will have to take a drug test and a background examination will need to be passed in order to gain employment with the DEA.

These tests may take up to 12 months to complete. If you pass all the required tests you will be trained for 16-weeks at the DEA training academy in Quantico, Virginia.

There you have! The only thing to add is that you start early in the application process. Provide yourself at least 12 months from the date you apply to the date you will start work.

I must also add that you do more research on the DEA agent career. You need to visit web sites that cover the profession in more detail. Don’t let your competition be more informed and prepared than you.

Many people take pain medicines that have been prescribed by their doctor from an injury or another legitimate reason usually don’t develop a pain medication addiction. However some do become addicted. Statistics show that young people have a better chance to become addicted to pain killers as well as people who may have had an addiction to addicted to other substances in the past or who have a family history of addiction.

What are the signs of addiction :

o  Loss of control over the use of medication

o  Using medication more frequently by day.

o  The taking of medication for other reasons other than pain, such as depression

o  Or taking medication that was prescribed for another person

What to Do If You Suspect Addiction?

If you think you a family member or friend may have a problem with addiction, talk to your doctor about this before it gets out of hand.

Addiction Can Be Overcome if action is taken soon.

Overcoming a painkiller addiction requires a doctor’s supervision and may involve using a detox program. After an addicted person has completed an addiction detox along with some therapy, the persons family, friends and doctors all must work together to detect signs of a possible relapse. It could be helpful to become involved with a relapse support group.

Taking care of ones body improves quality and gives a better sense of confidence and well being.

The word “chiropractic” gets its’ name from the Greek words chiros and praktikos which means “done by hand”. Chiropractors diagnose and treat the misalignment of the spine and the resulting mechanical disorders that affect the nervous system and hinder good health.

In 1895, Daniel David Palmer (Father of Chiropractic) asserted that 95% of all health problems could be treated, or even avoided with spinal adjustments. This statement is based on his theory that misaligned vertebrae (subluxations) impede the function of the nervous system thus contributing to a wide variety of health issues.

Chiropractors locate these subluxations and, through gentle adjustments, restore the body’s normal functions. With the vertebra in place, the nerve passages open and regulatory impulses are free to pass allowing the body’s nervous system to heal itself. This method goes directly to the root of the problem. It does not mask symptoms like addictive prescription drugs often do.

A large-scale human study, dealing namely with the area of chemical addictions, affirmed the validity and effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments. Conducted by Dr. Jay Holder with the University of Miami School of Medicine and the Florida Chiropractic Society, the study showed dramatic results. The 18-month project demonstrated that those patients receiving these special treatments saw an almost 100% retention rate. The rate of retention, or how long a person stays in treatment, is vital because completion of a well-established and supported program assures a high success rate.

The torque release technique, developed by Dr. Holder, treats addiction by removing the subluxations band realigning the vertebrae. This, Dr. Holder asserts, “removes the interference with the normal functioning of the nervous system.” When the spine is misaligned, it interrupts the sequence of chemical changes necessary to maintain health and well-being. When the natural flow is interrupted, it results in what Dr. Holder calls “reward deficiency syndrome” and the body seeks the feeling of well being elsewhere.

Even mainstream psychologists are seeing the value of chiropractic medicine. A July 14, 2006 issue of Psychology Today online ran a story subtitled “Beating addiction may take an extra nudge from the chiropractor.” It chronicles the success story for an individual who completed treatment in a facility that utilizes the Torque Release Technique and experiences a much higher rate of success in addiction treatment than the national average for such centers.

The Chiropractor seeks to treat the person as a whole. The primary goal in the use of any treatment for addictions is making the body whole, reducing stress and lifting depression, and restoring the natural flow of brain chemicals vital to the recovery of an addiction, without substituting one drug for another. Western medicine, now more than ever, recognizes the value in treating addictions, particularly without the use of additional chemicals and mood altering drugs. The key is in using holistic medicine methods.

With the possible exception of Dianabol, Deca-Durabolin is probably the most popular steroid available. Although most sources of Deca available are marketed under the generic name nandrolone deconate, most bodybuilders still use the trade name Deca, made famous by the Organon Company. Deca’s immense popularity can be linked to its outstanding muscle building effects and relative lack of side effects. Bodybuilders place it very high on the cost-benefit scale of performance enhancing drugs.

Nitrogen-retaining Power!

Deca Durabolin, Nandrolone Deconate work by causing the muscle cells to increase retention of the element nitrogen. This is what’s called positive nitrogen balance. A positive nitrogen balance is needed for increased muscle growth because muscle cells use nitrogen to promote muscle tissue synthesis. Bodybuilders have discovered that for Deca to work most effectively they must ingest a sufficient amount of protein.

Muscle-building without side effects!

As steroids go Deca Durabolin, Nandrolone Deconate is moderately to highly anabolic but only moderately androgenic. This means that unlike some steroids that cause such side effects as hair loss, acne, and aggression, Deca is relatively side effect free. Of course bodybuilders who abuse the drug and use megadoses will no doubt experience side effects, perhaps the most unsightly of that is gynecomastia.

Water water everywhere!

Deca is not considered a good pre-contest steroid as most bodybuilders find that it produces considerable water retention. This leaves the user looking smooth on contest day. The upside to Deca’s water retention is that the drug promotes more water storage in the joints and surrounding connective tissues. Many users report that one or two cycles of Deca can temporarily relieve or even cure chronic joint pain. Bodybuilders who have been training through shoulder, elbow, and knee pain for years especially welcome this. After years of excruciating pain they can suddenly do their workouts relatively pain-free.

How much?

Although bodybuilders have been known to do crazy things with their cycles, most users take between 200 and 600 mg/week of Deca. Many users have discovered that an intake of 2-mg/pound body weight, seems to provide the best gains with the fewest side effects. Those who take less than 200 mg/week usually only report slight anabolic effects. Conversely those who throw caution to the wind and inject 1000mg/week or more report good muscle gains accompanied by side effects. Most bodybuilders experience great results by taking an average of 400 mg/week.

Stacking?

Most bodybuilders don’t just use one steroid; they combine multiple drugs into groups called stacks. One of the most popular mass-gaining stacks consists of Deca-Durabolin, Dianabol and a testosterone derivative. For example bodybuilders report a phenomenal gain in muscle size and strength when they take 400 mg Deca/week, 30 mg Dianabol/day, and 500 mg Sustanon 250/week.

Testing 1,2,3 Deca Durabolin, Nandrolone Deconate!

If Deca has one big disadvantage for competitive athletes it is that the drug is one of the easiest to detect in drug tests. Unlike some steroids that will be eliminated from the body within a few weeks or even days, the metabolites (breakdown products) for Deca can be traced back as far as 18 months from the last usage. Some users have reported being caught after two years of being off the steroids. So despite its popularity with noncompetitive and non-drug-tested athletes Deca is usually given a pass by those who know they will be subjected to a drug test.

Even those who take so-called “natural steroid replacers” are at risk for being caught in a drug test as one of the main ingredients in many steroid replacers is nandrolone – one of the major compounds in nandrolone deconate.

Not above the law!

Being an anabolic steroid, Deca Durabolin, Nandrolone Deconate falls under the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1991. This means that if you get caught with Deca you might end up pumping Iron in the prison yard! Play it safe and don’t fall victim to drug legislation.

Whether you are trying to cleanse and detoxify your body from the effects of that big meal you ate, looking to make sure you pass your next drug test or if you simply want to feel better and lose some weight, there are many easy ways to cleanse and detoxify your body from the effects of food, drugs, drinking, smoking, stress and your environment. Here are some tips:

Drink Water

Pure water is one of the best ways to cleanse your body and your system. Simply drink more water everyday, at least the typical 8 glasses a day. Tea can be substituted for water if you want more flavor, but try to avoid adding any sweetener or milk to it, if possible. If you have to add something to your water or tea for flavor, consider adding some fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice is also a great detoxifying agent and can be a nice change from plain water.

Increase Your Fiber Intake

Make sure to get plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. While this might seem obvious, many people get precious little fiber in their diet, and simply adding much more fiber to their diet can help your digestive system, cleanse your bowels and help you lose excess weight naturally. Excellent sources of fiber include prunes, many dried fruits, whole grain breads, whole grain pastas, oatmeal, beans, lentils and nuts.

Be sure to get More Fruit

While fruit is a generally good source of fiber, certain fruits have a great deal more power where cleansing and detoxifying is concerned. Berries, especially blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries, are great sources of antioxidants and phytochemicals, which have been shown to fight cancer, heart disease and other conditions. Berries are also high in vitamins, fiber and water, which makes them great options for anyone looking to cleanse and detoxify their body. Cranberries, especially cranberry juice, is also an excellent way to cleanse your body. Cranberry juice has been shown to cleanse your kidneys and has long been known as a cure for bladder infections.

Liquid Diet

A more drastic way to cleanse your body is by going on a liquid diet. There are detox kits available that include specially formulated teas that can help to flush and cleanse the kidneys and the liver. In addition, pure fruit and vegetable juices can also be used on a liquid diet.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Many people find that supplementing their diet with apple cider vinegar can increase energy and help to suppress the appetite. You can add a couple ounces of apple cider vinegar to water once or twice a day, you may also stir in a bit of honey to make it more palatable. Apple cider vinegar has also been shown to lower your blood sugar, be a curative for many digestive issues, good for your skin and can help to alleviate certain allergies.

Vitamins and Herbal Supplements

There are many supplements available that include cleansing and detoxifying vitamins and herbs. Excellent herbs for cleansing include dandelion, milk thistle, burdock root, red clover blossoms, cayenne and ginger root. Vitamins and minerals that are excellent for cleansing include Vitamin C, Coenzyme Q10, Alpha Lipoic Acid and Choline.

However you choose to cleanse and detoxify your body, just be sure you pick a method that will work with your schedule and your system.

The lack of doing an education background check has let too many situations all over the schools of the United States. Teachers and principals with backgrounds of drug abuse, sexual perversions and other criminal behavior are all over our airwaves.

Children just like yours go to school one day and their entire life changes because someone did not do their job when the teacher or principal was hired. This type of negligence in our public and private school systems is running rampant.

Schools claim they are screening everyone, but that system gets thrown out the window when there is a desperate need. Or perhaps a search doesn’t get done because this teacher was referred by a good friend.

An education background check has to get done no matter who the person is or where they come from. Omitting this from the screening process for anyone that works with children, whatever their age, is negligent and there is not any excuse for not doing one.

All teachers and principals, regardless of who knows them or their educational background, need to have a thorough background screening done before they are even considered to be hired. And the type of screening ought to match the position for which they are being hired.

Anybody working with children or teens should’ve to pass a drug test as well as a thorough education background check which should include criminal screening. If the person will be handling money at all, then a credit check should be done as well.

Many teachers teach driver’s education as an extra job after school. If that’s the case, or if they will be driving children on field trips or wherever, then they also need to have two other tests done. They should be subject to a department of automobiles check as well as a blood-alcohol testing.

If the school does not do that rigorous kind of screening, then I would find a reliable company online and run the check myself.

Our children are the most precious thing to us. If the school doesn’t do it, then run your own education background check.

One may consider the hair as a person’s crowning glory. In fact, most people spend hours in front of the mirror fixing their hair. Aside from making each one of us look good, the hair has yet another function you might be interested in. In today’s modern world, there comes another way of detecting drugs in individuals. Yes, using the hair! And it’s actually the most accurate method of detecting drug abuse in individuals. It can detect drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates and the like. It’s known as the hair drug test.

1. Ten Times More Effective Than Urine Drug Tests

With this kind of modern and convenient method, it is now easy for schools and even employers to test students and employees to determine whether or not they have drugs in their system. Hair drug tests come in handy kits with instructions on how to get hair specimens, then send it to the laboratory for analysis.

2. How It Works:

According to studies, when a person takes in drugs, as with any other substances, such as food, medicines, or drinks, it mixes with our blood, and as we all know, the blood nourishes all parts of our body, including the head. Hints of these chemicals then become trapped or filtered through the hair follicle, therefore, as the hair grows, these chemicals are stored in the hair. Interestingly, these chemicals become a part of the hair itself.

o  Very accurate

o  Chemicals in the hair can be traced

o  Traces not just drugs in system at the time, but over the past three months!

o  A two-inch sample can give that persons drug history for a four month period of time

o  Hair drug testing is much more costly than urine testing

o  Hair testing is now widely used due to it is effectiveness

3. How It is Done:

o  A hair drug test involves cutting a minimum of 50 strands of hair

o  Hair must be cut approximately one and a half inches from the scalp

o  Hair is then sent to the drug testing laboratory

o  The hair is actually screened and reviewed, then liquified for final testing

o  There are lots of hair drug test kits available today

4. Hair Drug Test Kits

Hair drug testing kits, though widely available, are not affordable. Prices range from $50-$69 for a complete kit. Laboratory processing fees are usually included when you make your buy.

One point of view to consider tough – a positive test result does not automatically mean the person uses illegal drugs. In fact, positive results are sometimes triggered by other legal substances. One maybe is under medication or taking maintenance medications, or over-the-counter medications. It is wise therefore, that when the confirmation test comes back positive, it is important for a doctor, nurse, or other specialist to review the results and determine if illegal drugs are truly the guilty party.

5. Beating Hair Drug Tests Is Impossible

Now other smart individuals are finding ways and means to beat the hair drug tests. Some say one can pass it through a kind of shampoo, especially from companies that claim that their shampoo cleans off all the toxins in the hair, but they are wrong. These toxins are already part of the hair follicle’s structure, cleaning it’ll literally mean taking it all off. The hair is like a plant. If a plant grows in a toxic environment, it’ll absorb toxins and toxins will become part of its structure – no amount of shampoo will change that.

As we cannot clean off toxins in the hair, can we mask it by bleach or dyeing one’s hair? Maybe for a time, yes we can. But then, our skin is made up of fatty tissues. These fatty tissues are responsible for storing toxins in the body. When our body sweats, it gives off skin oil and release toxins, and these will be touched and be absorbed by the hair. It’s like a cycle. The masked hair will then be contaminated once more.

Others shave off their hair, but sad to say, toxins don’t leave the body anytime soon. If you are being kept in confinement, your hair will slowly grow back in, and your drug use history will come back for all to see with it.