Drug & Alcohol Tests

Drug and Alcohol Tests at Walgreens

Substance abuse can negatively impact every aspect of a person's life. Home drug tests and breathalyzers offer a way to test for substances. This can be especially helpful for parents who suspect illicit use by a child. Home drug tests make it possible to screen for common illegal drugs in the comfort of your own home, and Walgreens can help you purchase a drug test discreetly online. Shop the full product selection of home tests and place your order online today or use the "find at a store" feature to locate a Walgreens store that has the test you require in stock.

Testing for drugs and alcohol at home

There are a number of reasons why you may need to purchase a home drug test or breathalyzer for alcohol. Because these tests are available without a prescription, you can get peace of mind by easily buying them in stores and online at Walgreens. Drug testing can also be useful for people who are in recovery from substance abuse, as performing tests at home can hold them accountable and help them continue to abstain from drug use. For individuals who may have accidentally or intentionally taken an illicit drug, a home test can help to determine if the substance is still present in their bodies.

How does a breathalyzer work?

Alcohol testers, also called breathalyzers, can be used to test someone for the presence of alcohol and estimate blood alcohol content, which is related to the amount of alcohol consumed. These devices are small and can be used by simply blowing breath forcefully into the mouthpiece. Breathalyzers can also be used to help someone consume alcohol responsibly and safely by estimating how much alcohol has been ingested. Results are instant but these tests can produce a false positive due to certain health conditions such as diabetes or diets like the keto diet.

Evaluating your needs

When shopping for home drug tests, the first step is to determine which substances you are needing to test for. Some home drug tests can screen for only one type of substance, such as marijuana, methamphetamines, nicotine, or opiates like heroin or cocaine. Other drug tests can detect more than one type of drug.

Tests for multiple substances can be beneficial when you suspect substance abuse but are unsure what to test for. The product names and descriptions can help you learn which tests can screen for the specific drugs that you are concerned about.

Types of tests

Depending on the type of drug for which you need to screen, you may have the option to choose from a number of different types of tests. Most drug tests require you to collect a urine sample but some tests need a saliva sample that is collected using a swab. You can also purchase tests that use a sample of hair to screen for drugs.

With many home tests, you will have results within just a few minutes. However, many products encourage you to send a sample to a lab for confirmation in case certain foods or prescribed medications cause a false positive. Other types of sample testing may also come with packaging for you to mail the urine, saliva or hair sample for laboratory testing.

How to get best results possible from drug and alcohol tests?

Drug tests designed for home use are highly accurate, but only when they are used correctly. The test that you purchase will come with a booklet or pamphlet of step-by-step instructions for you to follow. Following the directions closely will help to ensure best results.

You can also ask your Walgreens pharmacist about available products and how to correctly use them. It is also important to pay attention to the expiration date on the packaging. Using a test that is older than the printed date can lead to inaccurate results. Certain foods or other medications can cause a false positive so you may need to confirm test results with a lab.