A urinalysis to detect drugs, also referred to as a urine drug screen, detects the presence of illegal and prescription drugs commonly abused. Different types of urine drug screens exist, but most corporate drug testing programs utilize the most basic--known as the Five-Screen. This urinalysis detects the five most popular groups of drugs.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoid, a generic term, describes a group of compounds found in cannabis plants and synthetic compounds that bind to the cannabinoid receptors in the body. The most prevalent natural cannabinoids include tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, cannabidiol or CBD, and cannabino or CBN. Marijuana, the most widely used illegal drug in the United States, contains the psychoactive substance delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, according to Healthy.Net. A urinalysis can also detect extracts of the cannabis plant including hashish and hash oil.
Cocaine
Cocaine, a powder obtained from the leaves of the coca plant, stimulates the central nervous system and leads to addiction. Cocaine users snort, smoke and inject the drug in order to receive the desired euphoric effects. Cocaine increases the level of dopamine in the brain, which stimulates the pleasure responses. Over time, the body becomes tolerant, meaning the abuser requires larger doses to trigger the same effects. A report provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse indicated in 2007 that approximately 15 percent of Americans tried cocaine by age 30.
Opiods
Opioid describes a classification of drugs derived either naturally or synthetically from the opium plant. This group includes the illegal drugs of heroin and opium, along with legal prescription medications such as codeine and morphine. Opioid drugs bind to the opioid receptors found in the brain, spinal cord and gastrointestinal tract to block the perception of pain. In addition, they trigger euphoria that can lead to addiction and abuse. When taken under the strict guidance of a doctor, opioid medications can effectively manage pain. However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that nonmedical use and the abuse of prescription medications are on the rise.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines are a classification of drugs that stimulate the central nervous system, creating feelings of pleasure, increasing energy and elevating mood, as described by MedlinePlus. Amphetamines include prescription medications commonly used to treat conditions such as narcolepsy, obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Illegal amphetamines include methamphetamine that street users commonly call speed, uppers, ice or crystal meth.
Phencyclidine
Phencyclidine, commonly called angel dust or PCP, occurs as an odorless crystal powder. Although it once was available as a prescription and used as an anesthetic in the United States, PCP is an illegal drug often abused by young adults for its mind-altering effects. PCP can be snorted, smoked or swallowed. Drug users often mix PCP with marijuana, a combination known as a "dipper," as described by the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration.
