What Happens If You Fail a Drug Test? Everything You Need to Know

Failing a drug test can throw a wrench into your plans, whether you’re applying for a new job, fulfilling a court requirement, or working through a treatment program.

The first question on most people’s minds is simple but urgent: What happens if you fail a drug test? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Consequences vary based on who ordered the test, why it was required, and what policies are in place.

In this guide, we’ll break down what happens after a failed drug test, whether you can request a retest, and how to protect your rights and future opportunities.

Why Are Drug Tests Administered?

Understanding the purpose behind the test can provide context for the consequences. Drug tests are used in several different settings:

1. Employment Purposes

Employers often require drug testing during the hiring process or as part of random workplace checks. Testing is used to maintain safety and liability standards, especially in industries like transportation, construction, and healthcare.

If you're wondering what happens if you fail a drug test at work, the result could range from job offer withdrawal to termination, depending on company policy.

2. Legal and Judicial Requirements

Courts may mandate drug tests for individuals on probation or involved in custody cases. A failed test in this context can have legal consequences, including penalties, loss of visitation rights, or incarceration.

What happens if you fail a drug test during probation is typically spelled out in legal documentation, but there’s often little room for leniency.

3. Athletic and Academic Requirements

Student-athletes and professional sports figures are subject to testing governed by athletic organizations. A failed test can result in disqualification, suspension, or revocation of scholarships. Schools may also have their own disciplinary protocols.

4. Medical and Rehabilitation Programs

In recovery or treatment programs, drug testing is used to monitor progress. Failure may not be punished, but could trigger increased supervision or modifications to the treatment plan.

 

Types of Drug Tests and What They Detect

There are several methods of testing, each with its strengths, limitations, and detection windows:

• Urine Tests – The most common method for workplace testing. Can detect substances for up to a few weeks.

• Saliva Tests – Typically used for more recent use, within 24 to 48 hours.

• Hair Tests – Can show drug use over a 90-day period. Less common but highly accurate.

• Blood Tests – Often used in medical settings; detect substances currently in the system.

What happens if you fail a drug test using any of these methods can depend on the type of test conducted and whether confirmatory testing is available.

Can You Retake a Failed Drug Test?

One of the most common questions people have is whether they can retake a failed drug test. The answer depends on the policies of the institution involved.

Employment Context

Some employers allow for a retest, particularly if you claim a false positive or provide proof of a legitimate prescription. Others follow a zero-tolerance approach.

Legal System

In legal situations, retesting is less common unless there's a legitimate reason to question the original result. In such cases, your legal representative may advocate for a second test.

Athletics and Schools

Athletic and academic testing protocols rarely include retests. Most organizations treat the initial result as final without a procedural error.

Costs

Retaking a drug test often isn’t free. You may need to cover the cost, particularly if requesting a confirmatory test such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Immediate Steps to Take After Failing a Drug Test

Knowing what to do after a failed test is crucial. Here are a few key steps:

1. Request a Confirmation Test

A confirmation test uses more sophisticated equipment and can rule out false positives. This is especially important if you’ve taken prescription medication or over-the-counter drugs that could affect results.

2. Understand Your Rights

In the workplace, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) offers protections if you fail a drug test due to a prescribed medication. You may not be penalized, but disclosure is key.

3. Review the Institution’s Policy

Whether you’re dealing with an employer, legal authority, or school, request a copy of the drug testing policy. It should outline what happens if you fail a drug test and what recourse is available.

4. Document Everything

Keep records of any medications you’ve taken, test details, and correspondence. This can be helpful if you need to challenge the results or file a complaint.

Consequences of a Failed Drug Test

The outcomes can range from minor setbacks to significant life changes.

Employment

• Job offer withdrawal

• Termination

• Mandatory participation in an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Loss of professional licenses (in regulated industries)

Legal

• Revocation of parole or probation

• Additional legal charges

• Custody issues

Academic or Athletic

• Loss of scholarships

• Suspension from activities

• Expulsion in some cases

Treatment Programs

• Increased treatment intensity

• Program dismissal (in severe cases)

Avoiding a Failed Drug Test

If you’re subject to drug testing in any capacity, taking proactive measures is wise:

• Avoid all recreational drugs, even in states where they’re legal.

• Inform HR or legal authorities about any medications.

• Keep documentation of all prescriptions.

• Use reputable testing services if you’re testing yourself in advance.

What happens if you fail a drug test can often be avoided with a little preparation and foresight.

Conclusion

Failing a drug test can be a daunting experience, with implications that reach into various aspects of life.

Understanding what happens if you fail a drug test provides the groundwork to take the right steps, communicate effectively, and seek retesting if necessary.

By taking proactive measures and knowing your rights, you can navigate the complex world of drug testing with confidence and clarity.

For reliable support, contact Countrywide Testing to see how we can help you succeed with drug testing products and services that meet your needs, whether for personal assurance or professional compliance.

FAQs

What Happens If You Fail a Drug Test?

Failing a drug test can have serious consequences depending on the context. In employment, it can lead to job loss or termination of a job offer. For students, it can result in academic suspension or expulsion. In legal situations like probation or parole, it can lead to legal repercussions, including jail time.

Why Do Drug Tests Fail?

Drug tests can fail due to the presence of illicit substances in your system, such as marijuana, cocaine, opioids, or amphetamines. Certain medications and even some over-the-counter products can also cause false positives.

Can You Retake a Drug Test?

Yes, you can usually retake a drug test. However, there are often specific procedures and timelines involved. If the initial test was for employment, the employer may allow a retest. In legal situations, the court or probation officer will determine if a retest is permitted.

How Long Does It Take to Get Drug Test Results?

The time it takes to receive drug test results varies depending on the type of test and the testing laboratory. Rapid urine tests can provide results within minutes, while more comprehensive tests, such as hair follicle tests, can take several days or even weeks.

What Can You Do to Prepare for a Drug Test?

To prepare for a drug test, it's crucial to abstain from using any illicit substances. Be aware of any medications or supplements you are taking as they may trigger a false positive. If you have concerns about a specific substance, consult with a healthcare professional or a drug testing facility for guidance.