Job-hunting is a stressful process, and being asked to perform a drug test can be intimidating, only putting more of a burden on your shoulders. Here’s what you need to know before your drug test to help you prepare for the process, ease the stress, and dispel any worries you may have before you go in.
What Drug Tests Look For
Typically, your potential employer will administer a drug test that tests for between 10 and 14 substances. These substances may include the following:
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- K2
- THC
- Methadone
- Methamphetamines
- Morphine
- Opiates
- Oxycodone
- Phencyclidine
- Propoxyphene
Many of these substances are common and legal if prescribed, and it’s wise to inform the person administering the test beforehand if you’re using any prescribed drugs. For example, if you use CBD substances, you may be worried this will cause a false positive due to CBD being derived from hemp. To secure peace of mind, just talk with the administer. There’s nothing wrong or illegal about using CBD.
Types of Drug Tests
The most common drug test administered is a urine test, but it’s understandable if this feels invasive or humiliating. One of the most important aspects of what you need to know before your drug test is that you have options. Speak with your potential employer about these alternative options:
- Hair follicle testing: A sample of your hair will be mailed to a lab to be analyzed.
- Blood testing: The most accurate but still invasive test. Requires a professional phlebotomist
- Saliva testing: Provides quick results. A mouth swab will collect the sample, or you’ll simply spit in a cup.
What To Expect the Day Of
When you go in to have the drug test administered, it’s perfectly natural to feel nervous, even if you have nothing to worry about. We recommend that you keep consistent communication with the professional who’s conducting your test. It’s easy to feel as though they’re against you, so asking questions and having them explain the test will soothe your nerves.
