So what does all this mean to you as a job applicant? As time goes on, chances become greater and greater that you will be asked to take a drug test before you will be hired. Some employers include information about their drug policy on the application form. Others tell applicants in the first interview that drug testing is required. But don’t count on getting a warning. Some employers make no mention of drug testing in advance.
Drug testing should not be taken lightly. A positive test result, or answering “yes” to a question about drug use, may eliminate your chances for employment. Different companies have different policies. Some may allow retesting if a test result is positive, or be more lenient towards someone who last used drugs over five years ago. But others will reject an applicant on the basis of one positive test.
Employers conduct drug screenings in various ways: by asking applicants about current and past drug use; by giving pencil-and-paper or polygraph (lie detector) tests; or by medical tests of urine, blood, or hair samples. The most commonly used test is an urinalysis, which is laboratory testing of a urine sample. Retention time (the length of time any substance remains in the body and can be detected in the urine) varies with the drug and the individual.
Current military policy is zero tolerance, meaning that all military personnel are subject to immediate discharge if a drug test has a confirmed positive result. Further, a Presidential Executive Order has authorized drug testing throughout the Federal Government.
Alcohol and drugs can destroy your work life. Substance abuse can lead to job loss and make it difficult to maintain a job. All drugs cause disorientation. The side effects of marijuana are memory loss and inability to concentrate. Cocaine users become anxious and paranoid. Alcohol causes irritability and depression, and reduces the ability to express oneself. Addicts often believe that alcohol or drugs make them feel more confident. But that feeling doesn’t last. Addiction can lead to serious health problems or death if left untreated.
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What can I do? *Do not use drugs! *If you have a substance abuse problem, GET HELP! *Ask if there is going to be drug screening and why. *Be sure that in having a drug test done, your rights to privacy and dignity are not invaded. *Report any prescription drugs or medications taken before testing. *Find out what type of laboratory testing is done to be sure fair and accurate procedures are in place. *Know the company’s policy on retesting. *Ask for reasons for employment rejection. *Be aware that not wanting to take a drug test may be interpreted as fear of a positive test result. |
Source: Delaware Occupational Information Coordinating Committee, Delaware Career Compass, 1998, p. 54.
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