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Addiction to Drugs/drug tests and opiates

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Expert: - 5/7/2009


Question
Can you tell the difference between codeine and heroin in a urine drug test? Being that they are in the same "opi" catagory. Also is it true that suboxone is undetectable?

Answer
Hi,
Sorry for the delay in respoding Jessica.  There will be a difference but as far as I know it can be complex.  After a few days, I believe that heroin can show up as codeine, but prior to that it can also show up as morphine.  As far as suboxone, yes I believe that you are correct in that the standard test (done in australia on urine)doesn't check for it.
As I am not a pathologist, please take my answer as general opinion only.  Do you have a local harm reduction service who could assist you with this further?  
Best wishes,
Jacqui

Addiction to Drugs

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Jacqui

Experience

Currently a Harm Reduction Adviser for Salvation Centre Cambodia (www.scc.org.kh). Worked in harm reduction in Australia for 10 years. Studied extensively on the topic and have trained others. Psychologist with Clinical Masters. Two significant research projects on drug use (one on HIV risk and its link with trauma and one on drug related stigma).

Organizations
No current formal membership but consider myself a part of the harm reduction community.

Publications
Conference proceedings - IHRC 2004 (Chiang Mai), 2005 (Melbourne) & 2010 (Bangkok). Anex Conference 2005 (Melbourne) Stigma-Pleasure-Practice conference 2006 (Sydney).

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts (Humanities), Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), Masters of Psychology (Clinical). And a multitude of training courses including advanced first aid, pre & post test counselling accreditation for HIV, significant amount of training on hepatitis C, etc.

Awards and Honors
Have presented at international conferences including the International Harm Reduction Conferences in Chiang Mai Thailand; Melbourne, Australia and Bangkok, Thailand. Also national conferences in Sydney and Melbourne Australia.

Past/Present Clients
I maintain confidentiality about my clients.

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