Workplace drug testing has been a standard practice since the 1980s when it became mandatory for federal employees. Today, about 57 percent of employers conduct drug tests on all their job applicants, according to a poll by the Society for Human Resource Management. Despite its widespread use, drug testing remains controversial. Some question its efficacy in preventing drug use and improving productivity in the workplace. Others also raise concerns about the invasiveness of this type of test on confidential health information.
When it comes to drug testing, how long a substance remains in your system can be the difference between passing and failing. For example, marijuana can be detected in urine for up to 30 days after use, while cocaine is only detectable for a few days. Acid, or LSD, is a powerful hallucinogenic drug that is metabolized quickly by the body. As a result, it is generally only detectable in urine for up to 8 hours after use. However, there are several factors that can affect how long acid last in your system, including frequency of use and body weight. However, if you are concerned about passing a urine drug test, it is best to abstain from using drugs for at least a week before the test.
A urine drug test is one of the most common methods used by employers. They may use it as part of their pre-employment, post-employment, or random process as a way to deter drug consumption on the job. Drug policies vary across workplaces and states, but you don’t want to risk failing the test. Fortunately, there are some ways for you to prepare and increase your chances of passing. Here are some of them:
Increase Your Fluid Intake
The most well-known way to pass a urine drug is to increase the amount of fluids you drink in order to dilute the concentration of drugs in your system. Water is a good enough choice of fluid. There is no scientific evidence that proves that vinegar, niacin, or goldenseal are more effective than water. Drink as much water as your bladder can take an hour or two before the test. Aside from water, you can also go for common diuretics like coffee, tea, and cranberry juice days leading up to the drug screening. These beverages are known to increase fluid output and stimulate urination.
Take Vitamin B2
In addition to drinking water, you should also take vitamin B2 on the day of the test. A high dose of this multivitamin, specifically 50 to 100 milligrams, is useful for turning urine yellow. A urine sample that is clear and overly watery could raise some red flags. Your employer might ask you to undergo a second drug test if they suspect you purposely drank a lot of fluids to dilute your urine.
Detox Drinks
If you are a habitual consumer of drugs like marijuana, it might be harder to remove traces of the substance from your system simply by increasing your water intake. In this case, you may want to consider consuming a detox drink. These beverages are specifically designed to cleanse the system and eliminate traces of drugs and even alcohol. Detox drinks are meant to be consumed three days to one week prior to the exam, and the length of the detox program will depend on how much drugs are in your system.
Use a Synthetic Urine Sample
If you are pressed for time and simply don’t have the opportunity to drink more fluids or do a detox, a fast and effective solution would be to purchase a fake urine sample and submit it for the test. The drug-free urine sample usually comes in a powdered form. You simply have to mix it with warm water and submit it to the lab. Although the urine sample is guaranteed to be free from illegal substances, the challenge will be how to prepare the sample discreetly, especially in the case of a supervised drug test. Find out how the test will be carried out so you’ll know how you can get the sample ready without looking suspicious.
Although these tips are useful for increasing your chances of passing a drug test, they are not meant to encourage reckless behavior especially in the workplace. Drugs can impair your ability to perform your job and might raise some serious safety issues—not just for you, but for your coworkers as well. It’s still best to abstain from consuming illegal substances not just for the purpose of passing a drug test but also to improve your productivity and efficiency at work.
