First Aid for Drug Abuse

How is the injury recognized?

The diagnosis is made by examining the person and asking about drug intake if the person is conscious. Blood and urine tests may be ordered. However, healthcare providers cannot check the blood or urine of a conscious person without his or her consent. The only time consent is not necessary is when a person is unconscious. In this case, it is legal to check a person's blood or urine for illicit and prescription drugs to make a diagnosis and begin treatment.