Why might I need a drug test?

Addiction treatment patients take advantage of our drug testing services for a number of reasons, including:

• Relapse Prevention. A regular schedule of testing as part of your treatment plan can serve as a much-needed reminder to continue your path to recovery. 
• Accountability During Recovery. Knowing you’ll be tested semi-regularly during your treatment can help you with self-regulation as you work on staying clean.
• Employment Options. Many employers require drug tests as part of the hiring process, and we’re happy to provide that service for our patients.

Do I need to prepare for my drug test?

Just be sure to hydrate - but not too much! A urine sample that contains too much or too little water can affect your results.

What are the most common types of STI?

Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) are extremely common but heavily stigmatized - nearly 20 million new STIs occur every year in the United States, but only 12% of Americans are tested annually. Recovery Care is a comfortable, judgment-free place to get tested for STIs, including (but not limited to) some of these common infections:

• Chlamydia
• Genital herpes
• Genital warts or human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Gonorrhea

How do you test for an STI?

In the case of most STIs (including chlamydia and gonorrhea), a test is done either with a urine sample or a swab on the inside of the genitals. In either case, the sample will be analyzed in our lab for signs of the disease. Even if you don’t feel or see any symptoms, these screenings remain important, as STIs can go undetected by the naked eye and be passed on to sex partners without your knowledge.

If I test positive for an STI, how can I move forward?

Recovery Care is happy to provide treatment options for STIs at Primary Care office in Jeannette, PA. We’re also happy to refer to you a physician near you to get the care you need!

Why are addicted patients vulnerable to HIV and hepatitis?

HIV and hepatitis are both viruses, which spread through blood and other bodily fluids. Sharing used needles during injection drug use increases addicted patients’ risk of coming into contact with infected fluids, as does engaging in unprotected sex while judgment is impaired.

How many types of hepatitis are there?

There are 5 types of hepatitis virus we know of, all of which cause liver disease. These types are:

• Hepatitis A: Present in fecal matter, usually transmitted through contaminated food and water and sometimes through unprotected sex. These infections can be severe but are more often mild and can be treated in full. Vaccines are available for prevention.
• Hepatitis B: Transmitted through blood, semen and other bodily fluids, and can be transmitted from mothers to infants at the time of birth. Vaccines are available for prevention.
• Hepatitis C: Mostly transmitted through blood, including during injection drug use; sexual transmission is less common. We have not yet developed a vaccine for Hepatitis C. 
• Hepatitis D: Affects only those already infected with Hepatitis B. The combination can lead to a more serious disease. Hepatitis B vaccines also protect against Hepatitis D.
• Hepatitis E: Also transmitted through contaminated food or water. Vaccines have been developed but are not yet widely available.

How do you test for hepatitis and HIV?

An HIV test is as easy as a swab on the inside of the cheek, though we may take a blood sample if necessary. Hepatitis testing will require a blood sample. These tests are simple, and they are life-saving - the sooner you know your status, the closer you are to peace of mind, and the more quickly we can begin developing a treatment plan if necessary.

If I test positive, how can I move forward?

Our Recovery Care office in Jeannette, PA is proud to offer treatment plans for patients who test positive for HIV and hepatitis as part of our Primary Care service. We’re also happy to refer you to a trusted physician closer to you. Whatever your needs, our team stands with you and will work with you to find the care you need.

What kind of GYN testing is provided at Recovery Care?

The expert team at Recovery Care offers Pap smears at our location in Jeannette, PA along with our other testing services, which are all available to patients who are pregnant.

What is a Pap smear?

A Papanicolaou test, more commonly known as a Pap test or Pap smear, is a procedure that tests for cervical cancer. Your doctor will use a small tool to collect a sample of cells from your cervix (the lower end of your uterus, at the top of your vagina), then test for the presence of cancer. This procedure may not be the most comfortable, but it isn’t painful, and it is vital for detecting cervical cancer as early as possible.

Should I get a Pap smear?

If you have a cervix and are between the ages of 21 and 65, we urge you to visit us for a Pap smear once every three years. The sooner we detect any potential cancer, the more successful your treatment will be.

Can I receive other addiction treatment services if I’m pregnant?

Absolutely. Pregnant women are welcome and encouraged to seek care at all three of our locations, including our Primary Care services in Jeannette, PA.