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Drug tests can be used in different types of situations. They can cause concern, as the consequences of positive test results can be serious and life-changing. Understanding drug tests, safe detoxing, and the myths and facts of testing can help ensure safety and recognize when legal support may be required.
How drug tests work
Drug tests detect whether a specific substance is present in the given sample. Tests can be conducted on various samples, including urine, blood, sweat, saliva, fingernails, and hair. Detection windows and result accuracy can vary depending on the type of sample being tested and the amount of the substance that has been used.
Drug tests work in the following ways:[5][6]
- Urine tests: Most drugs are metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys, meaning that a substantial amount of the substance or its metabolites will be detectable in urine.
- Blood: Substances circulate through the body in the bloodstream. Blood tests can detect drugs for as long as they remain in the body.
- Hair and fingernail tests: Drug traces appear in keratin, which is the protein that forms the structure of hair and nails. These tests can help determine repeated or cumulative drug use.
- Saliva: Oral fluid collection can be used to check for recent drug use. Some drugs, such as amphetamines, can be easily detected in saliva, while others, such as benzodiazepines, have very low concentrations in saliva.
Common methods used to cheat drug tests
Drug tests are used in different circumstances, including employment checks, substance use disorder treatment, and criminal investigations. Testing positive for drugs can have significant and negative consequences, which can lead people to use strategies to avoid a positive drug test.
Common techniques and excuses that people use to try and pass drug tests include:[1][2][3][4]
- Second-hand smoke: People might say that they didn’t smoke marijuana themselves, but they were in the presence of others who did and inhaled second-hand smoke, which caused a positive result. The amount of second-hand smoke needed to result in a positive test is considerably more than a person would inhale in a common setting.
- Diluting urine: People might try to dilute their urine by drinking a lot of water, which can prevent drugs from being detected. In many cases, dilution can be detected by checking creatinine levels and specific gravity.
- Manipulating samples: Consuming an adulterant such as bleach, salt, or other household products can disturb samples and prevent drug detection. New screening strategies have improved the ability to detect sample manipulation, which will result in a rejected test result.
- Exercise: People might try to speed up the metabolism and elimination of drugs with the use of exercise, believing they can sweat out the drugs. Some drugs can be eliminated in sweat in very small amounts, although this will have no impact on test results.
- Manipulating hair samples: People expecting a hair sample drug test might wash their hair with certain types of shampoo or use chemical treatments, such as perming or coloring, to help remove traces of any drugs. Many of these manipulations/treatments are capable of reducing the concentration of a drug in the hair, although the extent of this varies. Most alterations to hair can be detected during testing and will prompt the use of alternative testing methods.
What actually works: Abstinence & time
The only way to be entirely certain that a drug test will not produce a positive result is to be abstinent from all substances. People who have been using drugs may require a period to safely detox and be sure that no drug traces remain.
In some cases, false positives and false negatives occur, which means that a test incorrectly shows whether or not a drug is present. If the individual thinks that their drug test result is incorrect, they can contest the results and request a retest. This might require legal support, medication records, or other documentation.[5]
Typical detection windows of different drugs
Detection windows can vary depending on the drug and test type. Typically, most drugs are detectable in hair for up to 90 days and in sweat for 1-2 weeks. In saliva, alcohol and cannabis can be detected for up to 24 hours, cocaine and opioids can be detected for up to 36 hours, and amphetamines and methamphetamine can be detected for up to 48 hours.[7]
Urine detection times vary by drug, such as:[7]
Preparing for a drug test: Safely navigating natural detox
Stopping drug use to pass a drug test can mean abstaining for several weeks or months. In some cases, this will require detox and withdrawal, particularly if drugs have been used for a long time and in high doses.
Doing this safely can require simply adjusting lifestyle habits, such as ensuring adequate hydration, sleep, proper diet, and exercise. These habits can help improve and maintain physical and mental well-being.
However, some people might require professional support to come off drugs, as withdrawal symptoms can be severe and sometimes even life-threatening. In these cases, it might be necessary to utilize inpatient or outpatient treatment services.[8]
Why tampering and dilution are risky & often detected
In most cases, tampering with or diluting drug test samples can be detected, as technology and science have become more advanced. If someone is found to have tampered with their drug test sample, they may face legal repercussions, termination of employment, or other consequences.[1][4]
For example, in some states, it is a crime to attempt to pass a urine drug test by using someone else’s urine or using an adulterant to alter results. This can result in fines and prison time and may be considered a felony in certain circumstances.[9]
When to seek help for substance use
If someone fails a drug test, it might be necessary for them to seek professional support in reducing and stopping their drug use, as they may have caused potential danger when using or under the influence of substances.
Furthermore, if someone has been informed of an upcoming drug test, yet has been unable to stop using substances beforehand, this can be a sign of addiction or dependency, which will likely require professional intervention to manage.
Different types of treatment options are available to help people with alcohol and drug use issues. A primary care physician can help refer individuals to appropriate services, including therapies and rehabilitation services.
Conclusion
People who use drugs, whether recreationally or daily, should ensure that they are aware of the situations in which drug tests may be administered, the types of tests available and their detection windows, and the consequences of failing a test.
Understanding the myths around passing drug tests can also be beneficial and can prevent people from facing additional legal consequences if they attempt to tamper with a test sample.
Those who are concerned about an upcoming drug test result may benefit from legal advice. Professional support is available for people wanting to reduce and stop drug use.
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