The Truth About Employer Drug Testing

Employer drug testing has been a concern for many who struggle with substance use.

Employment opportunities are limited when you are concerned that you cannot pass the company drug test.

Interestingly enough, according to The National Institute on Drug Abuse, “67.9 percent of all adult illegal drug users are employed full or part-time, as are most binge and heavy alcohol users.”

Nevertheless, whether you are employed or not, your continued use limits your opportunity to get and keep a job.

Companies have an obligation to themselves and to their customers to hire employees who are drug-free.

It is another reason to put time and effort into changing your life so that you not only are living healthier but have every opportunity to be employed for the long-term.

The following article is a guest post by Devin Yirka on employer drug testing.

Many companies require a drug test during the hiring process to screen their applicants thoroughly. For some, these tests are conditions that must be met by an employee to proceed with the qualification stage.

Workplace drug testing is most common among companies because they believe that with their staff away from the influence of drugs, they become more efficient in their work. Of course, there also goes the health and safety reasons to provide employees with a sound working environment and to avoid accidents in the workplace.

People who are federal, state, and private employees need to subject themselves to drug testing. It would mostly depend on their line of work like those that involve life, safety, health, or those who guard classified data.

While for some this may entail an invasion of privacy, still, many companies require pre-employment drug testing because it is an essential step for them to determine the right job candidates. Drug test results are not supposed to measure one’s capabilities at work. However, it may determine whether your employers will accept you in the job or not.

Safe environment for the workers

Some surveys have shown that employees are less likely to apply in a company with pre-employment drug testing. It has been shown that drug users are prone to more accidents in the workplace, more absences, and more likely to affect a company’s revenue by consistently filing a compensation claim.

Employers can avoid themselves the hassle in the future by doing a necessary drug test during the initial hiring process.

With drug testing programs, an employer can have so many benefits like:

• More productivity and enthusiasm to work in the workplace
• Less absentees
• Reduced accidents and crimes like theft or violence in the workplace
• More likely few employees will file for compensation and insurance
• Fewer employee turnover
• Employees are guaranteed with a sound and conducive working environment

Federal or state regulations

Some laws require the employees of some areas and industries to do a drug test. As such, employers should see to it that their company complies with these laws regulated by the state.

Good PR standing

Many companies also administer drug testing in the workplace to show good integrity to the public. They want to showcase the reputation of their employees as professional and productive, which would be less likely if they are under the influence of drugs. Of course, their targeted consumers will more likely lean on the companies that could be trusted.

What to do if you are applying for a company that has drug testing

The best way to deal with this is to stop using drugs immediately. If you are hanging out with people who use them, it is best not to, as you can acquire second-hand smoke from marijuana.

Some companies use hair drug testing kits to determine if you use drugs. It is possible that you may absorb these drugs into your system without even using them.

Don’t let this step towards your employment be the reason why you cannot get a job.

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Thank you for being there for your child when they need you the most! XO, Cathy