... prescription?
Xanax - What do I do when I test positive on a pre-employment drug test, when I have a valid?
Question posted by Happy-Blessed-N-Life on 31 March 2012
Last updated on 22 February 2018 by Hoyter33
Hey everyone!
I am having some issues with drug screening information. I would love it if you could possibly answer all of my questions in the email below, to the best of your experiences and knowledge. I contacted my local screening services, and as you can see(read below for her reply back to me) she was little, but no help at all. I understand her email, but what are the BASIC guidelines employers do when it comes to drug screening.
Thanks for your time and feedback:) It means a lot!
I will put ** those next to the questions
Thanks everyone!!!
This is from me to the services:
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Hello,
I am writing in regards to a certain question I have been concerned about. I have applied recently for a wonderful job that uses your services to drug screen for pre-employment. I have a valid prescription on the lowest dosage of Xanax for anxiety/panic attacks. I rarely use this medication, unless severely needed and have been on it for years.
**When tested positive for benzodiazepines with a valid prescription from my doctor, do you change the positive to a negative and send the negative results to the employer?
**Or do you send the employer the positive test stating why the test was positive and that it is a doctor required prescription?
**Or do you send the test back to them stating it was positive with no information regarding the prescription?
**Also, if given the job would I be terminated from the job due to the positive test from my anxiety disorder?
**How would I need to provide information for my prescription, with my prescription bottle or a written document from my doctor or pharmacist?
I hope you are able to provide answers that I am needing. I am a full-time college student with two terminally ill parents that I take care of, so money comes very difficult for me and my family and getting this job is so important to me to help my parents and myself financially. Thank you so much for your time!
Also, thank you in advance to your reply.
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Her reply:
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Dear _______,
Thank you for contacting us. However, I regret to inform you that I really am not able to answer your questions, as it depends on your employer's drug and alcohol testing policy. We follow the guidelines that they give us.
I would suggest letting them know your concerns before taking the test with us.
I apologize that I could not be of further help, but I hope you have a blessed weekend.
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The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
8 Answers
Just go into that employer with your script and say u were railroaded, and u want that job! Your a person to for Christ sake!
I take diazepam and went for a drug screening. I was not up front about it and it showed up. I only delayed the process and looked like I was trying to hide something. I should have just brought my valid prescription bottle in with me. I have been unhappily employed since last Sept. My next drug test I will admit to the lab at time of ua/blood without question.
I had a pre-employment drug test and the nurse giving the test would not allow any type of conversation with her regarding medication. She advised me that this was personal information and she could not hear anything about what I take or what my medical condition was. I am now going after the lab. Dr. for calling my home while at work and speaking to my husband. He demanded my prescription number and stated my results would be sent in as positive if I did not get back to him. The Dr. should not have spoke to anyone over this matter and has no right to ask what I am taking this medication for. That is a privacy matter between my Dr. and myself. I did not know my rights at the time but I do now. Anyone taking a drug test for work needs to know their rights. This Dr. violated HIPPA law by saying anything about my test to my husband.
I have been through drug testing for a empoyer and on various opiates at the time and valuim. I todl the truth they markded down all that should come up in my drug test. the company that did the test called me at home with the result and ask what pharmacy i use i gave them the information. they put me on hold called the pahrmacy varified the information on my prescriptions and that they are prescribed for me and they fill them their. the women came back on the line to me and said it was confirmed that i was prescribed them legally and they are allowded in my system, i do believe they go by levels also to be sure you are not abusing,and she said she would call th company that had me tested and tell them it was all confirmed and i was fine for the job. i did end up being hired their. so if you are all legit and honest you will have no problems.
I agree with everyone else. I just wanted to add that I think it is very thoughtful of you to take care of your parents like that, and I hope that you get the job you so deserve. Best of luck and God bless. Ruth
I agree with the lady at services. It would be up to the company's policy. However, if you have a valid script, I don't think you have to worry. That is my opinion. It will show up but the drug is legit because of the script.
I totally agree with Laura & Karen. You need to tell your prspective emplyer that you know they do a drug test screening & that you do occasionly take aprescribed xanax, & you know it will show. Ask them if they need a note from your doctor for the prescription or whatever. Please be forthright about it, & as Karen stated dont give them your history, just state the fact & be done with it. It doesn't impair your job, you will be ok... Mary
If an employer or perspective employee has a legitimate prescription from her physician what business does the employer have knowing what legally prescribed drugs the employee is taking ? Seems to me this would violate Hippa laws and medical privacy rights.
As the Genie in Aladdin said: "tell the truth!". you will be fine if you are straight forward with the med. this is not a big deal, as Laura was indicating, unless it seems like it is. You are taking control of a very stressful situation. This medication is to help when you are overwhelmed. People get that. it is positive that you are helping others and are being responsible.
What the employer looks for is truth. The trouble starts when you say one thing and they find something else. Please,don't go any further into it about parents, stress and so forth. You are protected by HIPPA laws as is your doc. The doc could easily write the right letter that can help you as well. That may be your best bet.
And a quick caution to communicating to that new employer. As long as you don't tell your life story and how hard it is at home, you will,do far better than someone who they think is going to be gone a lot because of too many problems at home. Stay as cool and professional as you can. Good luck with the process. Wishing you what you seek, Karen
Great answer Karen!! I couldn't even add anything because you said it so well!!
Blessed,
I would simply provide my prescribed bottle of pills with the explanation RE care you provide parents, etc. You have a valid prescription and any negative repercussions would be discriminatory at the very least, and might even be able to begin litigious thoughts. So what if you take a Xanax once in a while?
I don't know if that was one of your answers, sorry. I got mad at the thought of you being persecuted.
The Hoping I Don't Get Mad at the Man Hippie,
Laura
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