Opiates are one of the commonly misused drugs. The masses misuse both prescription and non-prescription opiates drugs.
They are readily available in many dosage forms like injection, syrups, and tablets in the market.
In this article, we will discuss the opiates, their devastating effects on health, the significance of hair follicle test and how to pass it.
What are Opiates?
Opiates are the drugs that are derived from the opium poppy plants. They have either derived from naturally occurring poppy plants or synthetically manufactured.
These drugs depress the activity of the central nervous system, induce sleep and reduce the pain. Opiates are used as sedatives, analgesic and cough suppressants.
These opiate drugs can cause serious health problems and even death on misuse and abuse. These are highly addictive drugs and can cause addiction even with a single dose.
Fentanyl, Morphine, Codeine, Methadone, etc. are legal opiates while heroin is the illegal one and cheaper than other opiates.
Side effects of Opiates
Opiates are used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. They act on the central nervous system and release endorphins.
With the prolonged use of opiates, the body loses its ability to produce endorphins. The basic function of endorphins is making people feel pleasant.
The lack of endorphins causes depression and anxiety. The following are the major side effects of opiates.
- Hallucinations
- Mood swings
- Increased heart rate
- Overdosing
- Muscle spasms
- Delirium
- Death
What is Hair follicle test?
A hair follicle drug test is used to analyze the drugs and their metabolites which are produced when the drug enters the body.
After the drug is processed into the body, metabolites are carried to the hair follicles through the bloodstream. Many companies are adopting this method due to its high level of accuracy.
It is far more efficient than urine drug testing because follicles retain drugs for a more extended period.
In the blood, the opiates are detectable for less than 24 hours while in the urine for 2 to 3 days.
In the hair, it is traceable for 2 to 3 months. Moreover, it is especially useful for heroin because in the blood and body fluids, it is barely detectable.
What drugs can be tested with a hair follicle test?
The hair follicle drug test is used to screen the following drugs.
- Cannabinoids
- Cocaine metabolites
- Opiates (codeine, morphine, 6-Monoacetylmorphine) and Phencyclidine(PCP)
- Hydrocodone
- Oxycodone
- Heroin
What is the significance of A hair follicle test?
According to 2004 paper in FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL, researchers detected opiates traces in the hair of English Romantic Poet “John Keats” – 167 years after his death.
The same researchers found cocaine metabolites in the hair of 1000 years old mummies in Peru and Chile.
A hair follicle test is often used for pre-employment purpose. It is a precise method to detect drug abuse. As hair follicles detect metabolites, so it pinpoints when and which drug is used.
Secondly, environmental contaminations do not create false-positive results because hair samples are cleaned before the screening. It analyses metabolites which are produced by the body not environmentally.
How is the test performed?
- A standard test detection time is 90 days. It requires a small sample of hair usually 60-100 strands of 1.5 inch in length as the hair grows approximately 0.5 inches in a month.
- The sample is collected as close to the scalp as possible. If there is no hair available on the head, hair from other body parts is obtained.
- The sample is sent to the Laboratory for screening. All hair samples are washed before testing to remove impurities and contamination.
- In laboratory ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) technique is used for screening. If the test sample is positive, then it is further subjected to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS) for confirmation.
How to pass hair follicle test?
Immediately stop taking drugs if you think that you are undergoing the drug test. As hair drug tests, can detect drugs for up to 90 days, it is more efficient to stop taking drugs three months before the drug test and even stay away from cannabis smoke.
Shaving your Hair
It is quite a straightforward way, and it can provide you with a save window of 5 to 7 days as the hair test requires a week old hair.
If your head is shaved, then the technician might want to test the hair from your armpit or chest.
If you have completely shaved hair from head to toe, then the clinician will shift you to a urine or blood test.
What steps can you take to pass a hair drug test?
If you are frequently using drugs and you have been scheduled to undergo the hair follicle test at the end of the week then you need to take some serious steps to detoxify your hair. These might result in damaging your hair but are guaranteed to get you a clear result.
- A Hair test sample
- Detox Shampoos
- White Vinegar (Distilled)
- Laundry Detergent in Liquid form
- Lots of Shower Caps
- Eye Goggles
Hair test sample
This is a very helpful video by Quest Diagnostics which shows how the hair follicle test is conducted to keep the workplace safe.
You can also order a hair follicle drug test kit to check the exact amount of impurities like amphetamines, hydrocodone, opiates, THC (marijuana), oxycodone and phencyclidine. So that you can take the perfect measure to clean your hair follicles.
HairConfirm is a reliable company which provides complete services for test results.
It provides you with 5 kits and contacts you on positive results it provides with a table to access the exact amount of metabolite in the hair follicle which further helps in identifying whether the user is a low, medium or a high user.
It has an accredited lab by CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments). HairConfirm products include Instruction booklet, hair specimen transport foil piece, specimen ID card, and an envelope for the hair specimen, a clear transportation pouch, and a standard pre-paid shipping mailer.
It has 5 different hair follicle test kits:
- Regular offers test screen for 7 illicit drugs and standard shipping labels.
- Express offers the screen for 7 illicit drugs and overnight shipping$ 89.99.
- Prescription offers 7 illicit drugs plus 5 prescription drugs.
- Business $ 75.95.
- Business with Prescription Drugs.
| 7 Illicit Drugs | 5 Prescription Drugs |
| Amphetamine | Vicodin (Hydrocodone), |
| Ecstasy | Oxycontin(oxycodone), |
| Cocaine | Dilaudid(Hydromorphone |
| Marijuana | Percocet/Percodan(Oxycodone) |
| Methamphetamine | Lorcet/Lortab (Hydrocodone) |
| Opiates | |
| Phencyclidine |
Detox Hair Products/ Shampoos available in the Market
Hair drug tests are a popular test method conducted by law enforcement as the drug or toxin use can be detected previously in 90 days.
The hair detoxing shampoos mentioned below efficiently clean the hair and scalp from the toxins and metabolites.
Each shampoo comes with a sample hair kit with the detox shampoo to check for the impurities in your system.
Ultra-clean shampoo
This is a detox shampoo which is a number one seller on Amazon. It is the most cost-effective detox shampoo available on $35.95 by the company Zydot.
It can be ordered online and very easy to use in the complete privacy of your home without the need for professional help.
Ultra Clean Shampoo comes with the money-back guarantee by the manufacturer.
Old style aloe toxin rid shampoo
Aloe Rid Detox Shampoo absorbs into the hair shafts and removes the toxins completely. It is costly due to higher demand, but it can save your job.
This is the most reliable product priced at $ 235.90. It is only available from Testclear. The best deal comes in five ounces of clarifying shampoo is providing multiple applications.
Using old-style Aloe Toxin rid is the best shampoo as it contains products which absorb the metabolites from the hair.
It gives a 100% clear result when used in combination with Clear Choice Shampoo or Ultra Clean Shampoo as each of these shampoo has different actions and work as a team to clear your hair 100%.
Best time to use
Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid should be used every day until your test followed by the Clear Choice or Ultra Clean shampoos on the test day to remove toxins completely.
Use 3-10 days in advance before your test, if your time is short then take 3 to 4 showers a day before the test.
How to use it?
After applying the shampoo, keep it lathered for 3 to 10 mins before washing. Focus on the scalp and completely remove the oily layer. The 5 ounces bottle provides multiple applications.
Pros:
- The deep cleansing action and formula do not harm the hair.
- Removes all kinds of pollutants, chemicals and hard water mineral, hair-dulling impurities and chlorine.
- Uses advanced technology of microsphere for sustained release.
Cons:
- Is expensive.
- It can only be purchased from the Testclear or as a package with Ultra Clean.
- Clear choice hair follicle shampoo
This is priced at $75 and can be easily purchased. The Clear Choice Hair Follicle Shampoo provides you the guarantee for clearing hair for up to 8 hours.
The Clear Choice Hair Follicle Shampoo is easy to use with 2 step process.
Effective time before hair test
- Keeps your hair clean for up to 8 hours.
Pros:
- Provides 100% result when used in combo with Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid shampoo.
- Easy to use.
- Keeps hair clean from metabolites up to 8 hours.
Cons:
- Is not fully effective alone.
- Nexxus aloe rid shampoo
This comes in the range of $ 144- $235 depending on the package and quantity you need. This is a very effective detoxifying shampoo, but the recipe has changed.
To buy the old effective recipe which eliminates environmental pollutants, medicines and other metabolites from the hair follicles.
Look at the barcode when buying this item. The one with 05592 16035 is the effective product.
Buying of Nexxus Aloe Rid Shampoo online is strongly discouraged.
Home Remedies: DIY Hair Detox
Using Baking Soda
Baking Soda is a natural replacement for detergent. To use baking soda, you need to wash your hair, bleach it and re-dye it.
Now mix a thick paste of baking soda paste with water and lather it into the scalp and hair. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash the hair using one of the Detox shampoos mentioned above.
Preparation of Baking Soda Paste
Take 2 cups of baking soda, followed by a cup of sea salt and a cup of apple cider vinegar. Mix these and apply them on the scalp.
Shampoo and check the hair with a hair follicle test strip to confirm that your hair is free of metabolites.
If there is some left, repeat the method till your hair is completely clear of all kinds of toxins.
Using distilled white Vinegar
This is another famous DIY method of detoxifying your hair at home. Preparing the Vinegar solution and applying it on the head can be followed by a detox solution for a better result.
Method of Use
- First, pour white vinegar into your hair and let it sit there for 10-15 minutes. Do not rinse it so that maximum saturation is achieved.
- Then soak your hair with 2% salicylic acid. Pour it slowly so that it gets saturated into hair and scalp. Let the vinegar and salicylic acid settled there for at least 30 minutes. Again, don’t rinse it.
- Add a small amount of liquid detergent to lather your hair. If you don’t have liquid detergent, then add a cupful of water into powder detergent to make a paste and scrub your hair with this dough. Let the mixture sit there for 20-30 minutes.
- Focus on back of your head because most commonly samples are taken from this area.
- Rinse all the mixture but don’t wash and condition it.
- Use a standard hair dye. Rinse it thoroughly and use conditioner available in dye packing.
- Natural Alternatives to Hair Detox Shampoos
These methods are more suitable for people who have 2 to 3 months before the test or are very light users. This is certainly not recommended for people who are regular and heavy users.
These products are not guaranteed to provide a 100% clear result but are good for the overall health of the hair and can be a good addition to your pre-test hair follicle detox plan. These methods can be used as many times as required to get the desired result.
- Aloe Vera Gel ( mixed with baking soda to absorb metabolites from the skin)
- Activated Charcoal
- Bentonite Clay
- Rosemary Shampoo
This is a natural shampoo that detoxifies the hair and skin.
Preparation
- To prepare the Rosemary shampoo, dry the rosemary leaves.
- Place them in a pot with grape seed oil and heat slowly for 3 hours.
- Allow the ingredients to cool overnight.
- Apply the mixture to the scalp and leave it for 30 minutes. Wash it with a detox shampoo or a mild shampoo.
- This Rosemary shampoo will detoxify as well and re-moisturize your hair. Rosemary also encourages the growth of hair.
False positive
Sometimes there can false positive results if you are taking legal products. For example, nasal sprays, poppy seeds, over the counter drugs, etc. Some companies ask about medicines you have been taking for last 30 days.
If you got a false negative test, you could ask a company for a second chance. Legally corporations are required to accept your request and complete the second trial often urine.
Conclusion
This article illustrates the importance of a hair follicle test to analyze illegal drugs. Many companies use this test for pre-employment purposes. Most of the candidates using opiates fail to this test.
However, the safest way to pass this test is ABSTAIN from all kinds of legal and illegal products. Using the detox shampoo and hair follicle test kit ensures a 100 % clear result.