The evaluation of drug abuse begins with a medical history and physical examination.

The findings on physical examination can help a doctor determine the type of drug that has been abused.

Tests are necessary to detect the type of drug being abused, as well as the presence of complications due to the abuse.

Tests that may be used to evaluate drug abuse include:

• Drug screening:
• Blood toxicology
• Urine drug screen
• Hair drug screen
• EKG
• To detect toxic effects on the heart
• Chest x-ray
• To detect aspiration pneumonia
• To detect heart failure

Less commonly performed tests that may be used to evaluate drug abuse include:

• CT scanning of the brain
• MRI scan of the brain
• SPECT scanning of the brain:
• A newer method that may provide earlier detection of stroke in some cases
• PET scanning of the brain:
• Detects levels of brain activity
• EEG

For more information:

• Alcohol abuse evaluation