Explaining A Failed Drug Test And Finding Solutions
Let’s be honest. You aren’t worried about the drug test. You’re panicking because of what comes next. And, from the moment you find out you’ve failed, you’ve been wondering how to explain a failed drug test.
Maybe you slipped after a stressful week or took medication without thinking about it. Or maybe, you aren’t even sure what happened. No matter the situation, you can find a way forward.
Purpose Healing can help you take the next steps. You can explain what happened, request clarification, and take the steps that show responsibility rather than panic. Here’s how.
What Should You Do First After a Failed Drug Test Result?
It doesn’t matter if you’ve done anything “wrong”. Nobody wants to hear they’ve failed a drug test.
Your first step is simple. Review the results carefully. Look at the date of the test, the substance you’ve tested positive for, and any notes from the lab or employer.
Then, reflect on what you’ve taken recently. Prescriptions, supplements, or over-the-counter (OTC) products can all make people fail drug tests. Once you know what made you fail a drug test, you can decide how to explain it.
Remain Calm and Gather Information
Panic often leads to saying too much, or not enough, when you’re trying to explain a failed drug test to the courts or your employer. Staying calm helps you stay credible and clear. Know how to explain before you talk to anyone.
Gather any supportive evidence that explains why you might have failed. For example, a list of prescribed medications, receipts, prescription bottles, or documentation from your healthcare provider.
Take Proactive Steps After the Drug Testing Process
If you failed the test because of drug use, either past or current, get ready to be honest. It might be tough discussing it with HR, your employer, the courts, or whoever requested the test. But being proactive shows accountability.
Entering a treatment program can also be a big first step. At Purpose, we work with the courts or employers when needed to coordinate treatment. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has some protections in place that can help you get treatment without being fired.
However, a failed drug test might change that. Safety-sensitive positions often have a zero-tolerance policy. You can also be fired if substance use affects job performance.
Professional treatment shows that you’re ready to acknowledge (and fix) your addiction. It doesn’t guarantee that there won’t be consequences, but it does show you’re on the right path.
Can I Fail Drug Screenings for Prescription Medications?
Prescription medications are one of the most common reasons for unexpected positive results. This could be your own medication, or medication you might have taken from a friend to help with a medical issue.
If you’ve taken prescription medication as directed, you don’t have anything to worry about. You’ll just need to get documentation from your doctor that verifies medical use. Some helpful information is a copy of your prescription, a note from your doctor, the dosage and date it was prescribed, and any recent changes.
Does a Failed Drug Test Count if It’s for Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana regulations vary by state. For recreational marijuana users, there are no protections. If you’re using medicinal weed, though, employers cannot fire or refuse to hire you because of a positive THC result.
If you have your medical marijuana card, share it with your employer before your drug test. Make sure your documentation is valid and up-to-date. You’ll still be drug tested for other illegal substances, but cannabis will be excluded.
Can Over-the-Counter Medications Cause a Failed Test?
When you have a drug test, it’s important to think about anything you’ve taken in the week leading up to your test. Most OTC drugs fade from your system within a few days. Still, there’s a risk of them producing a positive drug test result.
Some sleep aids, antihistamines, cold medicine with pseudoephedrine, and even poppy seeds can cause positive drug tests. Certain supplements or herbal “blends can also trigger false positives. Supplements aren’t always regulated by the FDA, so it’s not known what’s in a “proprietary blend”.
Can I Ask for a Retest or Confirmation Test After a Failed Drug Test?
Most drug screenings start with an immunoassay test. It’s a quick test, but it is more likely to produce a false positive than other tests. If you do think you have a false positive, you can request:
- A confirmation test (usually done using gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry)
- A retest with a new sample
- A review of the testing procedures used
It’s fairly reasonable to ask for a retest, but it isn’t always necessary. Drug testing sites usually send the sample away for further testing when it’s positive.
A confirmation test is needed before they tell your employer about your failed drug test. This second test is usually done for pre-employment drug tests, too.
How Likely is a False Positive?
If you get a false positive on a rapid test, know that it isn’t out of the ordinary. It could be triggered by medication, supplements, or certain foods. Confirmation testing will usually clear you if there hasn’t been any substance use.
What Are My Legal Rights if I Fail a Drug Test?
Your legal rights are going to change depending on your situation. Positive pre-employment drug tests might mean you don’t get hired. If you’re being drug tested by your current employer, there’s a risk of being terminated depending on your company’s policies.
Regular drug testing done by the courts, like custody, probation, or other legal issues, might result in immediate consequences if you fail. You might still be able to appeal or ask for a second test, but that depends on your situation.
If the test affects custody, probation, or employment, you may want legal representation to navigate the situation. Be sure to get a copy of the positive test results. If you can, provide relevant documentation that explains the situation.
Or, if substance abuse did play a role, you can seek treatment. This doesn’t guarantee you’ll get out of trouble or get your job back, but it can help your situation.
What Documentation Should You Bring When Appealing Positive Drug Test Results?
The right documents can back up your explanation and give you credibility. This won’t help with illegal drug use. But it can be useful for OTC medications, prescriptions, or medical marijuana.
Receipts, doctor’s notes, prescriptions, and a list of anything you took 7-10 days before the test are good places to start. You should also bring along any employment or paperwork related to the test.
Seek Support Proactively for a Failed Drug Test at Purpose Healing
After a failed drug test, accurate or not, you might feel afraid, embarrassed, or confused about what comes next. But this moment doesn’t have to define your future. What you do next makes a big difference in how your employer, the courts, or anyone else who might request a drug test responds.
If substance use played a role, reach out to Purpose Healing Center. Seeking treatment shows that you take the positive result seriously and are ready to make a change. More importantly, it provides the structure and support you need to move forward.
Call our admissions team to take the right next steps today. All calls are confidential, so please reach out for support options now.
480-579-3319