Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with drugtest

Does NYC Probation routinely test for benzos?

Anonymous — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:37:18 -0800

I have a drug test scheduled with the NYC Probation Dept. on Thurs. September 24. I have been taking Xanax every night without a prescription for months. Can anyone tell me with 100% certainty whether they will be testing for benzos or not? If it matters - I am on the NYC Probation Dept. ARMS system, which is an automated check in, but got a letter in the mail telling me to report for a random drug test. My crime was misdemeanor possession of marijuana.
I should be clean for weed, but am very concerned about the benzos. Does anyone know for sure if they screen for that? Please help. Scared here.

How long do mushrooms remain in your system?

twirlypen — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 19:20:47 -0800

How long do magic mushrooms remain in your system? If one were to spend an evening with some magical fun guys, how long would it be before a drug test returned a negative result? Our hypothetical person is an average male of average weight, having an average amount.

I'm also told that drug tests rarely test for mushrooms- is that correct?

I've googled around a bit, but have come across a pretty wide range of answers.

This is in Australia, if it's relevant.

(asking for a worried friend)

Should a firefighter candidate disclose ADHD?

Anonymous — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 07:00:25 -0800

I'm a candidate for my local fire department. It's a paid position. Should I disclose my ADHD? I was recently diagnosed with ADHD. I had been taking Adderall XR and just switched over to Vyvanse.
Will my diagnosis or medication keep me from being hired as a firefighter?

does Kaiser test for drugs in the emergency room?

gcat — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 07:54:08 -0800

does the Kaiser emergency room test for weed - particularly when it comes to a motor vehicle accident? (i was on a bike.) ok, so for a few months now, i take a bike ride 2 or 3 mornings a week.

a friend dropped off a nice nug of weed last night, and i hit a bowl of it this morning before heading out on my ride. so then, as luck would have it, i get hit by a Nissan Frontier pulling a rolling stop. i went "flying" maybe 4 or 5 feet, bike did a couple flips, etc.

ok, ok, yes, i am a major dumbass for assuming she was stopping.

so i called Kaiser Permanente Urgent Care, and they told me that for motor vehicle accidents, i should to go to the (Kaiser) emergency room.

does anyone know if they are gonna test me for substances? and if they *do* test, and if they found substances, what would be the repercussions? loss of my insurance? lack of coverage for the incident?

yes, i am sure i have some paperwork filed away that would answer these questions, but i have so much Kaiser info that it would be an overwhelming task. plus, to be honest, i actually feel more shaken up than i would have expected (happened maybe 35 minutes ago now).

so anyway, does anyone know? and just in case it matters, i am in san diego.

thanks for any info, everyone.

What if you miss the Cup?

Morydd — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:23:21 -0800

HR/YANML filter: One of my assistants had an on-the-job injury today, and at the hosptial, they failed to give her the pee test drug screening that our company requires. She's concerned that they may use that as basis for claiming that she refused the test, and therefore will be on her own for the expense. I don't feel like this is the case, but I wanted someone with a more informed answer to help me reassure her. So, do they have the burden of proof if they claim she refused? How long after the event can they require it?

Will I pass a drug test?

TSGlenn — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 13:56:06 -0800

Will I pass a drug test? I have read previous questions about similar situations, but would like to ask specifically about my own in order to try to put my mind at ease.

(Lets say) I smoked marijuana (a joint) 2 weeks ago, an isolated use. (Further, lets say) I used to smoke regularly, but not for at least 8 months prior to this isolated occasion.

I'm very skinny and in excellent overall shape. I exercise regularly and drink plenty of water. What are the chances of failing a pre-employment urine drug test if I took it tomorrow? What if I took it a week from today? Two weeks?

There is plenty of information about this on the web, but I don't know how much of it is reliable. Everything I've heard leads me to believe I'll be fine - but as I said, I'd like answers regarding my specific situation to reassure myself.

Help me keep my new job!

Anonymous — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:18:20 -0800

How would it look to come in with a fresh haircut two days after it's announced that everyone will be given a hair follicle drug test? I really need a haircut, and no, it certainly wouldn't hurt my chances of covering up some holiday indulging. I just worry that it would look odd. I'm not a heavy smoker by any stretch of the imagination, so I'm not terribly concerned, but a haircut would help me sleep better (not to mention look and feel better, I am way overdue)

What to do about health insurance rate increase?

Anonymous — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:40:47 -0800

Should I appeal a rate increase or just try to find a new health insurance provider? I was without health insurance for several months. When I applied for coverage, a representative was sent to my work place to take my height, weight, blood pressure, etc. They also gave me a urinalysis to test for HIV and also drug use. I was completely unprepared, and consequently tested positive for marijuana use. Ironically, the test was administered at my lowest/least frequent point of drug use in perhaps the past ten years. Nevertheless, pot can show up for about a month, so I got hit with a $45/month rate increase.

I can appeal the increase, but will have to submit a five year medical history. I'm fairly certain that I've admitted marijuana use to various doctors in the past five years, so I imagine that will be in my medical records. I also had a drug test conducted on myself (to 'practice' for a potential test at work) which I failed for cocaine, but not marijuana (which was also a total surprise, since the cocaine use was weeks before the test, but marijuana only two or three days). I also had some medical issues a few years back with my spine that I'd rather not have show up as a pre-existing condition. Since they were several years ago, but less than five, I'm able to honestly negatively answer any questions about pre-existing conditions, but if they see it in my medical history, I may be screwed.

I really can't afford the additional $45/month. I lead a fairly healthy lifestyle, and have abstained from all drugs since the rate increase. If I have to take a drug test at this juncture, as part of the appeal or for new coverage, I will almost certainly pass.

Should I file an appeal, or just try to find a different policy? If I apply for coverage with a new outfit, will they contact my current provider and find out about the failed drug test? Is there any way to beat this, or do I just have to suck it up and pay?

Hair follicle drug test

robot — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 15:01:38 -0800

What is the best way to pass a hair follicle drug test? I have been clean for a month or so, but was a regular marijuana user before.

Pre-employment drug test and Valium? Have I Screwed Myself Out of a Job?

Anonymous — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 15:30:11 -0800

I took 5mg of Valium Saturday night around 2am. Now I find out that the part-time job I applied for wants me to come in on Monday afternoon for a physical and drug test. Will the Valium still be detectable? I applied for a part-time position at a hospital (but I won't be working with patients). This weekend I found out that my father has cancer and it's been a hellish few days. Last night my mother gave me 5mg of Valium as I was feeling pretty anxious. (I have been legally prescribed Valium at higher doses in the past for anxiety but I don't have a current prescription.) It was stupid of me to take it knowing that I might be up for the position but to be honest I wasn't even thinking about it. I just wanted to get some sleep and stop freaking out for a few minutes. Today I found out that the hospital would like me to come in tomorrow afternoon for a drug test. Have I screwed myself?

Particulars on me: I'm female, I weigh around 200 pounds and this is the only medication other than ibuprofen and OTC cold medicine I've taken in months. The drug test will take place about thirty hours after I took the Valium (which didn't even help anyway). Will it show up on the test? Is there anything I can do? Should I try to reschedule? Should I be up front with the tester? I would really like to get this position.

I swear I'm not addicted to poppy seeds.

lannanh — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 09:11:19 -0800

I just took a drug screening test this morning. Stupidly, about 45 minutes before I peed in the cup I ate an everything bagel. Should I let HR know? Or just wait and see what happens? I'm afraid I've totally screwed myself and will now return a false positive because of a couple poppy seeds. Should I alert the HR people? Or would that make me just look like an idiot if it comes back negative?

Does synthetic urine work?

geoff. — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 10:08:24 -0800

How reliable is the synthetic urine called "Yellow River" by the people who make the "Whizzinator" for standard employment drug tests? Asking for my roommate (honest)! E-mail in profile for anonymity. My friend literally just got back from a trip to Spain/Amsterdam where he apparently smoked every day. He never smoked before nor does he do any other drugs. He came back on Sunday, frantically called me to see if I could help. I'm having a hard time finding efficacy studies, though synthetic urine seems to be the way to go. I see a lot of good reviews for Quick Fix 4.0, but that is not what is immediately available.

I donate my own urine, but I'm all hopped up on the pain pills due to an unfortunate weekend sports industry. He insists he just did marijuana, no other drugs are involved.

Again, my e-mail is in the profile. His job is not for the government, nor is it safety related. He works in marketing, so allay your fears that he performs surgeries on orphaned babies.

Will a Marinol prescription allow my medical marijuana consumption to continue from a drug testers point of view?

Anonymous — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 06:02:07 -0800

Would employer urine tests be able to differentiate from cannabis and Marinol (dronabinol)? Alternatively, in my state medical marijuana is approved, do testing centers accept marijuana prescriptions? I recently landed a job at a firm that I really enjoy. Unfortunately I have a non-terminal chronic condition, and marijuana is really what has worked best. My doctor is very legitimate, as is my condition. The alternative treatment is relatively new, very expensive, and the side effects are worse than the disease itself. I have to take a random drug test twice a year. This is not a government or security related position, but is at a very white shoe, conservative firm.

My doctor recommended a prescription of Marinol, which he believes would be indistinguishable from inhaled cannabis on a standard urine test. He cautions that more sensitive screening would in theory be able to differentiate Marinol from cannabis, but doubts that testing companies could justify the cost and it is rather unlikely they would have such procedures in place. After reading some articles, I have to agree with him.

So the question is, does anyone have experience with this? Any practical advice is greatly appreciated. I've tried using Marinol but find that even at low doses, it is not as easy to regulate and actually makes me feel more "stoned" than inhaling a hit or two of cannabis.

If you prefer to stay anonymous also, please use anonymous.metafilter@gmail.com

Have you ever failed a pre-employment drug test?

Anonymous — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 13:03:58 -0800

I am interested in hearing about any Mefis out there that have failed a pre-employment drug test, and how they handled issues with the hiring company and testing company. Basically, I want to know how you were notified and what happened afterwards.

How can I find a new job that does NOT require drug testing without cause?

Anonymous — Tue, 29 May 2007 14:04:44 -0800

How can I find a new job that does NOT require drug testing without cause? At my current job I am subject to random drug test. At my last job we were subject to drug tests only if the employer felt there was cause or need to test (workplace accident might be one cause, exteme neglect of duties could be another). Now, I don't take illegal drugs at this point in time. And any such time period is well behind me so I wouldn't possibly test positive for illegal drugs unless it's a false positive.

I am interested in getting a new job (IT field) and would like to find a job with an employer that does not test for drugs unless there is cause. First and foremost this is an issue of privacy. Secondly, I might want to occasionally smoke pot with my significant other. I have never smoked often enough so that it caused issues with my job performance.

I know I could just simply ask about drug testing but my understanding is that something like this can raise a red flag up front even when it is again, first and foremost, an issue of personal privacy.

How does one go about finding a job with no testing or testing based only on reasonable cause?

It's preferred that asnswers are posted here to be shared. However, if needed, answers, ideas and questions can be sent to askmeaskmeaskme@sbcglobal.net

Do the top investment banks in NYC drug test their new recruits?

Anonymous — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 20:21:22 -0800

I am looking to apply for an entry-level position at some of the large investment banks in NYC (Goldman Sachs, Bear Sterns) as well as some smaller ones. I have friends that work in banking and are encouraging me to become a junior analyst. Do they drug test? How extensively? Some cursory searches reveal that temp jobs and administrative positions are drug tested at Goldman, which is not what I am applying for. I smoke once a day usually and quit as of yesterday.

My friends are offering me a great opportunity for a leg up (apparently these banks are mythically hard to get into) and I do not want to shoot myself in the foot. I was planning on going in and interviewing within a month but if someone has some first hand experience it would really help -- I'm somewhat stressing out over this. Here's some more background:

- Since graduation a month ago I have taken what can be deemed as an internal consulting job a non-finance related firm. I am family friends with a few executives at the company and work closely with them. I did not interview or do a resume. As you may have inferred the hiring process was very informal and was never drug-tested (nor did it cross my mind).

- I do not want to go to the friends inside the banks because they are largely contacts I have made in an informal setting. While I know them well (and them well enough to ask me to get into finance), I do not know feel comfortable asking them about how drug testing works within the company, I do not know their own views toward drug use well enough.

- I would believe it to be rude to stall any interviews or tell them to get back to me in several months. They are doing me a very large favor, not to mention how odd delaying it might seem.

I'm mainly concerned with reports of tests more invasive than just urine. I don't believe anything will be rolling faster than 3 weeks or so (which time I should be clean). I would have stopped months ago if I knew I was going to get into finance, but this sort of fell in my lap.

Is Landis a dope?

konolia — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 16:49:05 -0800

Floyd Landis' positive test-are there ANY other scenarios that would cause this test to be positive other than him doping? I'm not ready to have all my illusions shattered just yet...

Help me get an A+ in Urinalysis

Anonymous — Sun, 04 Jun 2006 21:58:46 -0800

I smoke a small amount of pot about twice a day everyday, and I've smoked more or less this much for about two years. I have to take a drug test in 2 to 3 weeks for a dumb job. I'm willing to quit smoking right now. What are lifestyle changes I can make in order to pass this test? I'm a 125 pound woman, does this change how I should procede? Any personal experiences with this matter? Should I work out more? Drink more water? Drink Cranberry juice? Should I purchase a product meant to cleanse THC from my system? I would like to be able to take this test as soon as possible with a THC-free result.

Health Insurance Drug Test?

Anonymous — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 08:07:18 -0800

Am I likely to be required to take a drug test to get health insurance? I am trying to get health insurance for the first time. I applied online, and didn't hear back right away. Then I got a letter saying that they wanted me to take a physical within the next two weeks. This seems reasonable since I haven't had health insurance before, but now I'm concerned that they will ask me to take a drug test while I'm there.

Also, there was one question on the application about having used "chewing tobacco, smoking tobacco, or marijuana" in the last six months, and I instinctively said no since I don't use tobacco and by habit don't tend to admit to illegal activities. Would it have been better to just say yes? Would I still get insurance? Oddly, I don't remember any questions about any other types of drug use.

life insurance

Anonymous — Wed, 20 Jul 2005 17:28:06 -0800

What would happen, in theory, if someone were to fail a life insurance drug test? Would coverage be denied immediately? Permanently? Would other insurers be notified, or would this information be available in some type of database? Would it be impossible or difficult to obtain term life insurance coverage in the future? Let's assume we're talking only about THC. Thanks for any help.

Avoiding false positive drug results from poppyseeds

ferociouskitty — Thu, 30 Jun 2005 15:57:39 -0800

Dummy alert: I have just been offered a new position, and the company requires a drug test. I knew this, and ate a poppyseed bagel anyway. When will the possibility of a poppy-induced positive be minimal? I called the lab today, and they suggested that coming in today for the test would be a bad idea, but they couldn't/wouldn't give me an estimate as to when I'd be okay. I'm having a hard time wading through my Google results - I just want to know if I'll be okay to take the test Saturday morning. (I need to take the test within 24 hours of accepting the offer, and I'd like to accept tomorrow.) Also, it was actually an "everything" bagel, so the poppy level wasn't all that high.

Drugs got back?

kamylyon — Sun, 05 Dec 2004 08:46:11 -0800

So, I have a drug screening to go to on Monday for a new job. My back started spasming Friday afternoon and not thinking as far ahead as Monday, I've taken 3 Tramadol for the pain over the course of the last 24 hours.
Am I screwed?

Skipped Hearing on Suspended Permit 8 Years Ago -- Now Background Check?

precocious — Thu, 03 Jun 2004 16:34:49 -0800

I have a friend (shh) who failed to show up at court for driving on suspended permit. She's never gotten this taken care of because she's stupid, and 8 years have passed. She now lives in a new state, attends college, is really nice (despite being stupid) and is about to get a corporate position that involves drug test + background check. Advice needed. [MI] 1) Would a background check turn that up, and is it a negative enough reflection to consider retracting a job offer? The job is with a super-conservative international corporation.

2) Where on earth could she possibly begin in getting this taken care of once and for all? Would it involve travelling back to the state in question?