Drug-testing Pathway Session was outstanding

On Tuesday, February 11, we hosted Steve Paymer for our Drug-testing Pathway Session at St. Mark’s. Steve reviewed substance testing options, and the pros and cons of each. This was an outstanding one-hour session, with both education on testing modalities and Steve’s inspiring personal story to boot.

Steve started the session by noting that drug and alcohol monitoring, if done with love and good communication, can result in 6X lower risk of relapse. He mentions that people in recovery many times will welcome it, as it gives them an addictional prompt to stay sober. He was a very credible speaker, as he shared his own personal journey of recovery and his passion to help others.

During our meeting, the following test types were reviewed:

1. Urine test–Uses a special strip of paper that is dipped into a sample. It’s cost-effective, immediate, and covers of wide 3-5 day window of drug use. The test can be “gamed” by adding something to the sample. It is important to confirm results with a laboratory test.
2. Saliva test–an oral fluid test is done over Zoom. It’s difficult to cheat. There is a narrower window of detection, 48 hours max.
3. Sweat patch–an adhesive patch that absorbs sweat to test for drugs up to 2 weeks. Very dependable and accurate.
4. Hair testing–works well for cocaine and THC, which tend to be “sticky”. There is a wide, 90-day window of detection.
5. Soberlink–a professional-grade alcohol monitoring device. It is a breathalyzer that can detect alcohol use and alcohol use only. Individuals are tested remotely, with 4 times a day being ideal.
6. SCRAM Ankle bracelet–an alcohol-monitoring bracelet tests your sweat for the presence of alcohol every 30 minutes. It then wirelessly transmits the test results to a regional monitoring center.
7. Ignition Interlock Device–An IID, sometimes called a car breathalyzer, is installed in a car to prevent driving after drinking. It works by requiring you to blow into it.

Steve believes in the importance of laboratory tests to confirm results. He also believes that each individual case is unique, and he likes to cover the testing options on a one-on-one basis with parents and family members.

I personally was impressed with Steve’s expertise, passion, and emphasis on quality. He also understands the impact of addiction on families, based on his own experience of recovery and everything he’s seen as as a licensed social worker before starting his testing firm. To reach Steve at his Paymer Associates Trumbull office, just call (203) 445-1400 or email steven@paymerassociates.com.