If you are looking for help with your health, you might have heard about a DNA drug test. Many people ask, “How soon can I take a DNA drug test after using a drug?”
At Integrated Health & Wellness Services, LLC, we want to help you understand how this works. We are here to support you in Wilmington, Delaware.
Below, we will explain how DNA drug tests work and when you can take one after using substances.
What Is a DNA Drug Test?
Most drug tests look for chemicals from things like medicine or alcohol. A DNA drug test is different. It does not look for the drug itself. Instead, it looks at your genes.
Genes are like a tiny instruction book inside your body. They tell your body how to grow and how to stay healthy.
They also tell your body how to break down medicine. This is why some medicines work great for one person but make another person feel sick.
Why Do People Take a DNA Drug Test?
People take a DNA test for many reasons:
- To find the best medicine for their body.
- To see if a medicine might make them feel sick.
- To help their doctor make a good health plan.
At Integrated Health & Wellness Services in Wilmington, we use DNA drug testing to choose the safest and most effective medicines for you.
How Soon Can You Take a DNA Drug Test After Substance Use?
The big question is: When can you take it? The answer is very simple. You can take a DNA drug test at any time.
Because this test looks at your genes and not the drugs in your blood, it does not matter if you used a substance yesterday or a month ago.
Your DNA does not change. It stays the same from the day you are born.
However, it is still important to inform your healthcare provider about any recent substance use.
Certain substances can temporarily affect your health, which may be important for your doctor to know when interpreting DNA results or deciding on medications.
What Substances Can Affect Your Body Before Testing
Even though a DNA test looks at your genes, substances like alcohol, prescription drugs, or recreational drugs can impact your body in other ways. For example:
- Alcohol can dehydrate you and affect liver function.
- Prescription medications may interact with other medications prescribed later.
- Recreational drugs may affect your blood pressure or your heartbeat.
At the Integrated Health and Wellness Services, our physician helps you understand if these factors should be considered before testing
Openness and honesty about your substance use will ensure that you are provided with the best recommendations for your care.
Does Substance Use Change the Results?
No. If you have used a substance recently, it will not change what your DNA says. The test will still show the same information about how your body processes medicine. This is very helpful for people who are starting their journey to get better.
Preparing for a DNA Drug Test
Preparing for a DNA drug test is simple. Unlike regular drug tests, you usually do not need to stop taking medications or avoid substances.
What is most important is giving accurate information about your medical history and any substances you have recently used.
At Integrated Health & Wellness Services, our staff will guide you step by step. We make the process easy and comfortable. Our commitment is to facilitate your journey toward the best care for your needs.
How the Test Helps with Recovery
At Integrated Health & Wellness Services, LLC, we use DNA testing to help with addiction treatment. When someone is trying to stop using substances, they might need medicine to help their brain and body feel better.
By using your DNA, our team can see which medicines are the safest for you. This is called “Gene to Drug Interaction Testing.” It helps us pick the right path so you can start feeling like yourself again.
We are located right in Wilmington, DE. We help many people from places like:
- Newport and Stanton
- Elsmere and Ashley
- Greenville and Pennyhill
Other Ways We Support You
Taking a test is just one small step. At Integrated Health & Wellness Services, we combine DNA drug testing with counseling, medicine, and support for a full care plan.
At Integrated Health & Wellness Services, we help with:
- In-person DNA drug testing at our center
- Telehealth appointments from home
- Addiction treatment and counseling
- Medication management based on DNA drug testing results
Conclusion
DNA drug tests are different from regular drug tests. They help your doctor know how your body reacts to medicine and substances.
You can take a DNA drug test anytime, even if you used a drug recently. Just tell your doctor what you used, so they can give the best advice.
At Integrated Health & Wellness Services, LLC, we provide DNA drug testing for a safe recovery.
If you need a DNA drug test, contact us today. We will help you find the best time for testing and give the support you need.
FAQs
Can I take the test right after drinking alcohol or using drugs?
Yes. DNA tests look at genes, not the substance. Just tell your doctor about what you used.
How is a DNA test done?
A small sample of saliva or blood is taken. The test is quick and painless.
Do I need to stop taking medicine before the test?
Usually, no. Our doctor will tell you if you need to.