What Happens If You Fail A Drug Test

Failing a drug test can lead to different consequences, including legal problems, professional license suspension, or job loss. This is what happens if you fail a drug test, because it is confusing and stressful in the case of education and employment. Several people are unaware of the drug test and the effects of failing it.

What Does a Failed Drug Test Mean?

A drug test is positive or fails on the detection of drugs or their metabolites at a specific level in the body. The drug test is conducted for different substances, including alcohol addiction, opiates, marijuana addiction, prescription opioids, benzodiazepine addiction, cocaine addiction, and amphetamines. 

Is it illegal to fail a drug test? Failing a drug test is not illegal because it does not mean the illegal use of a substance. Some results are driven by the over-the-counter drugs, false positives, prescribed medications, and medical conditions.

What Happens If You Fail A Drug Test At Work?

Failing a drug test at work can lead to termination, mandatory treatment, or suspension, depending on the industry and company policy. A positive result also affects your future job prospects. Let’s take a look at the different consequences of failing a drug test at work:

1. Employer Notification

The results of the failed drug tests at the workplace are usually sent to a Medical Review Officer (MRO) and the HR department. The MRO can contact you to inquire about the use of prescription medication or a valid medical explanation before finalizing the report. The result can be changed to negative if you can prove the legal use of prescription medications.

2. Possible Workplace Effects

The consequences of persistent positive drug test results depend on the company’s policies. It can lead to the immediate termination or suspension without pay. The employers can also ask for the mandatory substance use treatment or last-chance agreements. There are also chances of the return-to-duty testing for the employees. 

It is important to note that some companies and employers follow zero-tolerance policies. On the other hand, some employers can allow the inpatient program or intensive outpatient program for rehabilitation purposes. These programs ensure that you complete their rehabilitation and test negative to avoid disciplinary actions.

3. DOT and Safety-Sensitive Employment

There are serious effects on your job if you are working in DOT-regulated roles like railroad workers, pilots, or truck drivers. The consequences include the instant removal from the safety-sensitive duties and an essential assessment by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).

The education or recovery programs with the follow-up testing are preferred for the rehabilitation journey. It is important to remember that failing a DOT drug test can affect your job. That’s why disciplinary action is what happens if you fail a drug test for a job.

What Happens When You Fail a Drug Test on a Parole or Probation?

Violation of release conditions happens when you fail a drug test on probation or parole. The possible side effects of failing the substance use test include a formal warning and increased supervision. Moreover, you need to consider the mandatory counseling or rehabilitation service.

The company or employer can extend the probation period for the employees. Prison time is also a consequence in the case of repeated or serious drug use cases. During the court cases, judges consider the type of drug and the frequency of violations. You can also explore the past compliance and willingness for the treatment. 

It is important to consider that a single failed substance use test cannot result in jail. However, repeated or continuous drug addiction can lead to increased chances of prison time.

What Happens If You Fail a Drug Test for Child Protective Services (CPS) or Court?

Failing the substance addiction test for the court or child protective services (CPS) leads to instant and serious consequences. Therefore, you have to be very careful with substance use if you want to avoid the drug-related consequences of court or CPS.

Court-Ordered Drug Test

Failing the court-ordered substance use test can lead to:

• Contempt of court
• Heavy penalties
• Delayed sentence
• Loss of bail

Child Protective Services (CPS)

A failed drug test for the child protective services results in:

• Court involvement
• Temporary custody loss
• Supervised visitation
• Mandatory treatment

What Happens in the Case of a Positive Drug Test for a Job Interview?

Failing the pre-employment substance abuse test can lead to job withdrawal and disqualification from the hiring procedure. You can reapply for the job position after the waiting time. It is also possible that results are not shared with the employers of other companies. Pre-employment drug tests involve no legal penalties but affect only hiring decisions. 

What Happens If You Fail a Drug Test at College or School?

Schools and colleges may need drug testing for on-campus housing and athletes. Substance addiction tests are also conducted for specific programs like law enforcement, aviation, and nursing.

The consequences of failing the drug test include academic probation and loss of scholarships. Students can also face suspension from different activities or sports. There are also mandatory education or counseling programs for rehab purposes. It is important to note that many educational institutions consider the correction and prevention of first-time violations.

Can You Go to Jail for Failing a Drug Test?

Yes, you can go to jail for failing a substance use test under the specific conditions. However, failing a drug test alone usually doesn’t result in arrest. The arrest for failing the drug test can occur in cases of:

• Court-ordered test
• Violation of release conditions
• Parole or probation
• Evidence of illegal drug possession

There are rare criminal charges in the case of drug testing for school or employment purposes. 

Can Prescription Drugs Lead to Substance Test Failure?

Yes, different OTC and prescription medications can lead to a false positive test for drug use. You can fail the drug test if you are using:

• ADHD medications
• Painkillers
• Sleep medicines
• Anxiety medications
• Allergy and cold medicines

Medical Review Officers (MROs) verify the prescription medications before the final results of the drug test. You must disclose the medications before the substance use testing. Moreover, you can consider inpatient vs outpatient substance abuse treatment in the case of severe consequences.

What Can You Do After Failing a Drug Test?

You must stay calm and ask about the cutoff level to understand the condition. You can also seek professional help from the House of Zen if you have failed a heroin addiction test at work or school. We help you with the tailored treatment to withdraw safely and pass the drug test.

You have to provide the documentation about the medical records and prescription medications. It’s a good decision to request a retest after completing the rehab program to test negative for drug use. The licensed addiction specialists also help you with probation or court cases.

Start Recovery Today At House of Zen and Pass the Drug Test

It is crucial to get the required help from the House of Zen LA for the substance abuse treatment with therapeutic approaches. Failing tests can lead to consequences, that what happens if you fail a drug test. We help you maintain long-term sobriety because failing a drug test is a wake-up call. Let’s call us today to prevent relapse and protect your freedom while improving your mental and physical health!

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s explore the commonly asked questions and their answers: