An in-depth look at the world of drug testing in America. Who should expect one and how to be prepared.
You have been out of work since the economy went in the tank and you have finally gotten a job offer working at some big bank when you get the letter.
Dear Sir,
Please take the enclosed form and envelope to your nearest drug testing facility for your pre-employment drug screen. Thank you-Management
After reading the letter again your mind begins to race. Why do they think I do drugs? What about that joint I smoked at the beach last summer? Should I tell them I have been taking Advil for migraines? Do they care that I drink?
First things first, calm down! More often than not these days, employers require a pre-employment drug test; you’re not special. Any business that could receive government funding or subsidies is required to drug test their employees. Due to the fear surrounding the drug war, and self-promotion by drug testing companies, many employers who do not have to drug test their employees still do. Drug testing is just a fact of life these days for Americans. If you don’t like it, move to Canada, they outlawed pre-employment and random drug screens.
Drug tests come in a few standard types. By far, the most common are an oral swab usually done on-site or a urine test done by an outside lab. Luckily, these two are also the easiest to beat. If you have to take a piss test, your employer will send you to a clinic they have negotiated with. They usually have branches all over so you can go to the one closest to you. Urine tests can usually only detect drug usage with in the past seven days. You will hear people tell you thirty days, but that is only in very extreme cases. If you are really worried about it, you can buy a detoxification kit. They usually come in the form of a sports drink. Just follow the directions on the box and it is guaranteed to work. Oral swabs are even quicker, simply don’t smoke pot for twenty-four hours. Also, they will be done at your employers office. Employers are often more lenient than the clinics. If they have already offered you a job, they want you to work there.
Drug testing for work is an unfortunate side effect of America’s War on Drugs. Even if you are doing drugs in your own home and it is not affecting your performance at work,s you are still liable.