Best Defense for Positive Drug Test
Workplace drug-testing programs are designed to detect the presence of alcohol, illicit drugs, or certain prescription drugs. are conducted to detect the presence of illicit substances in your system, and these types of drug tests may use samples from your blood, urine, sweat and hair. You may be screened for cocaine, marijuana, meth and many other drugs when applying for a new job, as part of random employment drug screening for a current job, for school and in several other situations. A positive drug test can wreak havoc on your life, such as by resulting in your inability to get a specific job or the termination of your current employment. If you have recently had a positive result on a drug test, it is important to know what steps you can take to defend yourself and avoid negative impacts on your life.
Know Your Rights
While false positive test results are possible, they are relatively rare. Because the possibility of a false positive is present, however, you should understand your rights for drug testing in the workplace. Companies often have a drug screening requirement during the hiring process. In order to progress through this process, you must pass the drug test. If you do not pass this initial test, you may request for a retest. However, this request may not always be granted.
After you are hired, your employer’s policy for scheduled or random drug testing will be detailed in the company’s handbook. In some cases, a private employer may require you to take a drug test if it has reason to believe that you are using drugs. You should take the time to review the company’s drug policy thoroughly at the start of your employment so that you know when testing may take place going forward and what the policy is for a positive test result.
Causes of False Positive Drug Test Results
There are several known causes of a failed drug test. For example, ingestion of poppy seeds before a drug test could produce a positive result for the presence of certain substances even if you have not used any drugs. You could also test positive if you have inhaled second-hand marijuana smoke even if you did not use marijuana yourself. Even some prescription drugs can result in a false positive result. Trazodone could indicate the presence of amphetamines or methamphetamines. Seroquel could result in a false positive for methadone. Some acid reflux and heartburn medicines could indicate that THC is in your system. Other prescription medications that may trigger a false positive result are Setraline, Pristiq, Effexor RX, Wellbutrin, promethazine and even some antibiotics.
Over-the-counter drugs can also create a false positive on a drug test. For example, Robitussin, Delsym and other over-the-counter medications that contain dextromethorphan can indicate the presence of PCP in your urinalysis. Allergy medications that contain diphenhydramine could indicate the presence of opiates/opioids and PCP in your system. Some of the other medication ingredients that could produce a false positive on a drug test are phentermine and pseudoephedrine(Sudafed). You may even test positive for barbiturates or THC if you take Advil, Aleve, Motrin or other non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications.
Before Your Drug Test
You should disclose all questionable foods and medications that you have taken recently that may impact drug test results. Some medications may remain in your system for several days or even weeks after your last use, so you should include medications that you may no longer be taking. In some cases, certain medications and substances may show up on one type of test and not on another one. After you disclose foods and substances that could impact drug test results, the administrator can decide which type of test is suitable for you.
In some cases, a drug test may be scheduled rather than impromptu. This may give you time to avoid exposure to some substances. For example, you can skip foods that contain poppy seeds and choose alternative over-the-counter medications for aches and pains, allergies and coughs. However, you should not stop taking prescription medications without consulting with the prescribing physician.
If You Test Positive for Drug Use
Some people will unfortunately test positive for drug use even though they have not used drugs and have disclosed all questionable drugs and foods consumed in the days and weeks leading up to the test. The first step to take after receiving the result of your drug test is to request a second screening. A more sensitive type of test should be used, and this test may be able to determine the difference between an illegal drug and other illegal substances. In some cases, you may be required to provide a reason for requesting a second drug test. Depending on your circumstances, excuses may range from inhaling second-hand marijuana/cannabis smoke to kissing a smoker, using some types of personal care products and more.
If your positive drug test is accurate, however, you should consider if you have an addiction or drug dependency. When drug use interferes with your employment and other major aspects of your life, professional rehab and recovery treatment may be needed. In some cases, an employer may allow you to return to work after completing a drug treatment program successfully.
Types of Drug Testing Methods
There are four common methods used for drug testing. The most common method is an immunoassay test, which is a urine test that relies on antibodies for detection. Another common method is gas chromatography. This is a slightly more advanced test that analyzes compounds in bodily fluids. Both of these tests have relatively low specificity and are more likely to produce a false positive than the more sophisticated methods. If more advanced testing is required, the test administrator may use mass spectrometry. This method measures the exact mass of substances in bodily fluids. The most advanced drug testing method is high-performance liquid chromatography. This test is used to separate and quantify a specific type of drug in bodily fluids.
Consult with a Lawyer
It may be futile to seek legal assistance if your positive drug test result is legitimate. However, if you are dealing with a false positive, you may have recently lost your job or experienced significant other effects. Consulting with a lawyer who is experienced in this aspect of employment law may be in your best interest. Your lawyer can help you to understand your legal rights and determine what options are available to you.
After Learning About a Positive Drug Test Result
If you have recently received word of a positive result on a drug test, you should consider if the test result is legitimate. Have you used drugs or other substances that could yield a positive result? Requesting the use of a more sensitive test could clear up the situation, but this may not be helpful for everyone. It is essential that you understand your rights and obtain legal advice if you are dealing with a false positive or if your employer refuses to grant your request for a more advanced, sensitive test. On the other hand, if you have been abusing drugs, this may be a sign that you are dependent on or addicted to a substance You might want to get a consultation at a reputable substance abuse treatment center. An addiction can have a devastating impact on your life, but there is a road to recovery.
LiveFree provides recovery treatment services for men and women in New Hampshire. It offers multiple types of care to meet its patients’ varied needs, including inpatient drug detox, in a comfortable, supportive environment. Contact LiveFree today to learn more about the treatment program that is right for you.
Category: Blog