Drug Testing
Drug testing that is administered by employers and agencies are very effective with detecting drug use in people. There are several reasons for utilizing drug testing. For starters, employers want employees that are trustworthy and straightforward. Individuals who have a drug addiction are prone to steal and lie. While some drug users are able to function on a daily basis and conceal their habit, other drug users create problems within the home and workplace. Thus, employers do not want to employ these types of people. Drug testing as part of the interview process is becoming common. For years the federal government has included this procedure for job applicants. Today, more and more small businesses have begun random drug testing.
Aside from employers, many insurance agencies also require drug testing. Life insurance companies and health insurance companies are unwilling to take a chance with a drug user. The odds of a person with a drug habit becoming seriously ill or dying prematurely are extremely high. Thus, before a policy is granted, the agency will administer a test to ensure that illegal drugs are not present in an applicant’s blood stream. Routine and random drug testing are able to detect five major drugs. These include marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates (heroine, morphine), and PCP.
The detection period for drug testing varies. Most employers and agencies request urine or blood samples. However, the majority of these drugs are no longer detected in the blood and urine after 72 hours. Thus, some employers and agencies have begun unannounced periodic drug testing. This way, drug use may be detected when least expected. Employers that want to be certain that they are not employing drug users may request a hair sample. Because of sophisticated drug screening, hair samples can detect drug use for up to 3 – 6 months.
Disclaimer: Cliff Schaffer does not personally endorse or support any of the comments made within the writings of this article.
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