Diagnostic tests help establish whether there are existing underlying physical conditions causing drug or alcohol dependency to take hold. Establishing baseline measures of metabolism, critical vitamins, minerals, and other organic compounds can help recovery teams at residential drug treatment centers to calibrate and foster healing. Diagnostic tests can be analyzed and their conclusions put into action plans to help create and implement effective recovery treatment that’s tailored to the patient’s body and medical history.
Diagnostic Tests at Residential Drug Treatment Centers
Diagnostic tests are commonly administered at residential drug treatment centers in order to assess physical well-being at a cellular level. Diagnostic testing in the wake of drug and alcohol addiction also measures complex biological processes and issues that simply cannot be detected by surface examinations.
- Amino Acids
The levels of the 38 amino acids in the body play a critical role in the absorption and processing of nutrients. Abnormal levels may indicate the body is not be getting all the vitamins and minerals necessary to properly function, and may suggest the presence of underlying problems that require attention.
- Trace Elements
Some trace elements may be toxic to the body. Establishing the levels of these elements (such as copper, magnesium, and potassium) in the blood can shed light on damage caused by years of drug use, allowing your treatment team to more accurately craft your personalized recovery plans.
- Metabolism
Years of drug abuse alters the how the body metabolizes food and converts it into energy. Abnormal levels of organic acids can indicate metabolic problems and affect recovery and long-term sobriety. Using their years of experience in the recovery field, doctors can chart a course to reestablish a healthy metabolic rate. Diagnostic testing can reoccur at various points during your stay at a residential drug treatment center, in order to monitor your recovery and refine your treatment.
- Antioxidants
A common diagnostic test is the oxidative stress test, designed to measure levels of beneficial antioxidants in the body. These antioxidants are critical for an effective immune system and help reduce the presence of free radicals that can cause damage to our body at a cellular level. Low levels of antioxidants can be treated to promote healing and prevent further damage to the body.
