Drug testing has become a routine practice these days. Institutions from employers to schools, courts to volunteer programs often require a drug test as a requisite for participation. So, what happens if you fail a drug test?

Failing a drug test, often referred to as a failed test, can have serious repercussions. Some may attempt to outsmart the drug-testing protocol, but with random testing more common now, that strategy doesn’t always work. Keep reading to learn about drug testing and what happens if you fail a drug test.

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Employment Drug Tests

Employment drug testing is a common procedure adopted by companies to ensure workplace safety, compliance with regulations, and the overall well-being of their employees and operations. These tests can be administered as part of the pre-employment screening process or may be conducted randomly, after accidents, or on a reasonable suspicion basis throughout an employee’s tenure. The goal is to maintain a productive and safe work environment, free from the impacts of illicit drug use. While the specifics of the testing methods vary, the overarching intent is to uphold standards that support both the individual’s and the organization’s long-term success.

Types of Employee Drug Testing

There are various methods an employer might use to test a person for drug use. Here are the most common types of drug tests:

• Urine testing. Urine tests are by far the most common form of drug screening tests. A urine test can detect drugs in the system from a few days to weeks. How long prior to the urine test depends on the frequency of drug use and the type of drug.
• Saliva testing. A saliva, or mouth swab, test is used to detect very recent drug use. These tests are only able to pick up the substance within a few hours of drug use.
• Blood testing. Blood tests for drug testing involve a more invasive process, as it requires drawing blood. The blood test is called the enzyme-multiplied immunoassay test and is able to pick up a range of substances.
• Hair testing. Where urinalysis detects drug use for only the previous few days or weeks, hair screening can detect a wide range of drugs used over a 3-month period. Hair screenings are more sensitive than other methods, so they can reveal a person’s historical drug use.

4 Reasons for Drug Testing

There are many reasons why employers or government or academic entities might use drug testing. Here are some of them:

1. Employment. People applying for jobs are very often required to submit to a drug test. Employers seek to eliminate drug users from their payrolls for several reasons, but mostly to protect other employees from being exposed to a person who might be on illicit drugs.
2. Athletics. Professional athletes of all ages, as well as high school athletes, are often required to undergo random drug testing. Making sure an athletic team is drug-free ensures that each team member is dedicated to the success of the team.
3. Legal. The person may be on probation, with random drug testing required as a condition to remain free of custody. When someone on probation tests positive they are returned to jail or to a treatment program.
4. Sober living. The purpose of sober living is to maintain a substance-free environment. Therefore, sober living homes require regular drug testing of the residents.

What Happens if an Employee Fails a Drug Test?

Substances can remain in your system for hours to weeks, depending on the substance and level of consumption.

Alcohol clears the fastest, usually within 6-24 hours. Other drugs, like fentanyl, cocaine, and opiates can stay present for up to seven days, and marijuana for up to thirty. Marijuana might be legal in some states, but if the employer has a no-marijuana policy, positive drug test results can still trigger termination.

So, what happens if you fail a drug test? There are many adverse repercussions for someone who fails a drug-screening test. These include:

• Being denied a job position. It can cost you a job opportunity. Employers today are highly aware of the overall cost to their business if they offer a job to someone using drugs.
• Being terminated from your job. If you are employed and test positive during a random drug-testing program, you may lose your job. Employers have that right based on the agreement signed by the employee, but most will give them another chance.
• Being kicked off a sports team. When athletes are found with drugs or steroids in their system they are usually suspended for a certain time period. Some may be referred to a treatment program. High school athletes may be kicked off a team due to drug-related offense or a failed drug test.
• Being kicked out of sober living. When people choose sober living, they expect the home to be free of substances. This is why the condition of living there is supported by random drug tests. Those who test positive will be asked to move out.
• Being sent back to jail. Drug testing in probation is a common court-ordered procedure. County and federal drug courts across the country make positive drug tests a condition for continued probation.
• Loss of benefits. Some states have firm policies in place to deny benefits to those who fail their drug test. This can include unemployment, disability, or worker’s comp benefits. These policies vary by state.
• Being suspended from school. Public high schools may have a random drug testing program. If a student fails a test, he or she receives a suspension. Sometimes the student will be required to perform community service or receive drug counseling.
•  Public high schools may have a random drug testing program. If a student fails a test he or she receives a suspension. Sometimes the student will be required to perform community service or receive drug counseling.