Have you noticed a change in your employee or loved one since their surgery or since they were in that car accident? Have they been increasingly moody or hostile? Or perhaps more energetic or lethargic?

You having an awareness of the signs and symptoms of prescription drug overuse can be the lifeline someone needs before this overuse turns into addiction!

Prescription drugs are often given as painkillers after a major surgery or accident. Starting off as harmless pills to ease the pain, these can quickly turn into addictive substances as the body becomes dependent upon them. Watch this video to see how quickly a small prescription can turn into an addiction:

Individuals particularly at risk for prescription drug addiction include those who have had previous or a family history of addiction to drugs, tobacco, or alcohol, pre-existing psychiatric conditions, and easy access to prescription drugs.

As the body becomes accustomed to the prescription drug (called tolerance), individuals may notice they need more of the drug in order to feel the same affect. But eventually, a tolerance to the upped dose is acquired, as well. This is an endless cycle, quickly turning from physical dependence into addiction.

Mayo Clinic lists the follow as the symptoms of opioid drug abuse:

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Feeling high (euphoria)
• Slowed breathing rate
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Poor coordination
• Increased dose required for pain relief
• Worsening or increased sensitivity to pain with higher doses (hyperalgesia)
• Excessive mood swings or hostility
• Increase or decrease in sleep
• Poor decision-making
• Appearing to be high, unusually energetic or revved up, or sedated

As the individual becomes more addicted, they may engage in risky and illogical behaviors to obtain more drugs, such as:

• Stealing, forging or selling prescriptions
• Taking higher doses than prescribed
• Requesting early refills or continually “losing” prescriptions, so more prescriptions must be written
• Seeking prescriptions from more than one doctor

If you notice any of these changes to your employee or loved one, it’s important to firmly encourage a physician visit to receive counsel on how to proceed forward. Prescription drug abuse doesn’t go away—it often escalates into using other illegal drugs in order to obtain the “high.” Acting quickly and giving unconditional support is the best way to help your employee or loved one not be overcome by drug abuse!

At Nationwide Drug Testing Service, our staff is not only understanding and considerate, but knowledgeable as well. From the moment you contact us, you can expect to deal with a professional, well-trained Representative who will be with you throughout the entire process.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!     

A new report released at the beginning of 2020 analyzed over 1 million urine drug tests, and the results are both shocking and sobering.

Between 2013 and 2019, positive urine drug tests for meth have increased six-fold, from 1.4% in 2013 to 8.4% in 2019. Similarly, positive fentanyl tests quadrupled, with just above 1% in 2013 to 5% in 2019. Both drugs were noted to be used in high—or fatal—potency, and often used in combination with other drugs.

With the drastic increase in the use of these drugs, it’s imperative to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meth use and abuse.

Meth is one of the most dangerous drugs on the market that takes a physical psychological toll, both in the short and long term. Meth effects can last for 8 to 24 hours after use, and users may stay awake for several days at a time if they binge-used meth. Some of these immediate effects include:

• Anxiety
• Increased heart rate
• Chest pain
• Suppressed appetite
• Aggression
• Insomnia
• Flushed or itchy skin
• Muscle twitching
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Raised body temperature

If meth is used over a long period of time, the brain becomes dependent upon the substance—called addiction. Long-term use of meth destroys every body system: respiratory, heart, liver, kidneys, reproduction, digestion, teeth, and skin. Meth also causes psychological effects such as memory loss, depression, paranoia, delusions, and more.

As an employer, you may not know for certain if an employee is using meth. But if an employee exhibits any short or long-term symptoms that are unexplained by other natural, environmental, or circumstantial causes, it is your right—and responsibility—to order a random drug test.  Watch this video for more information on the signs and symptoms of meth use:

At Nationwide Drug Testing Service, we will be here every step of the way. Our staff is not only understanding and considerate, but knowledgeable as well. From the moment you contact us, you can expect to deal with a professional, well-trained Representative who will be with you throughout the entire process.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!    

It’s common knowledge that driving under the influence of alcohol is a dangerous practice. The consequences of driving intoxicated can be a matter of life and death (or at the very least, legal repercussions). And still, about 8% of drivers are intoxicated.

But while alcohol DUIs is widely discussed, there is a type of DUI that is rarely debated: altered mental status due to drugs. 

A new report from US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 12 million adults had driven under the influence of marijuana in the last 12 months, and 2.3 million of those adults also admitted to driving under the influence of other drugs like cocaine or meth.

This shakes out to be 4.7 percent of Americans driving under the influence of marijuana, and 0.9 percent under the influence of other drugs. Males were more likely to drive under the influence, as were teens aged 16-20. Non-Hispanic, multiracial persons had the highest drug DUI rate at 9.2%.

While these numbers aren’t as high as alcohol use, the fact remains that Americans drive under the influence of drugs. In many ways, driving under the influence of drugs can be more dangerous because a drug’s side effects like delusions, hallucinations, tremors, anxiety, and more, can lead to more hazardous driving. Watch this video to learn more about driving under the influence of drugs:

It’s likely that if an individual will drive under the influence of drugs, they will also appear at their employment under the influence, as well. As an employer, you have the right—and responsibility—to perform random drug tests if you have a reasonable suspicion that an employee is high.

At Nationwide Drug Testing Service, we will be here every step of the way. Our staff is not only understanding and considerate, but knowledgeable as well. From the moment you contact us, you can expect to deal with a professional, well-trained Representative who will be with you throughout the entire process.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!

It’s no questions that construction workers and miners have physically demanding jobs. In sometimes brutal weather conditions all year round, hard-hat jobs require extreme physical labor in dangerous situations.

Perhaps then, it shouldn’t be surprising that a new study reveals construction workers and miners are much more likely to use marijuana, cocaine, and opioids.

Construction and extraction workers use opioids more often than all other professions combined at 3.4% vs. 2%; a higher cocaine use at 1.8% vs. 0.8%; and second most likely to use marijuana at 12.3% vs. 7.5%. Only those in service-oriented jobs used marijuana more than construction workers (12.4%).

This means that construction and extraction workers six to seven times more likely to die from an overdose.

The study’s lead researcher Danielle Ompad said the increase of drug use among construction workers comes from the physical labor demands of their job.

“They do experience a quite a bit of pain, and not just from injuries,” Ompad said. “I think a lot of them are prescribed opioids, and when their doctors stop prescribing opioids and their pain is still there, they continue to use them anyway.”

The most likely cause of cocaine use would be to stay awake and alert during hazardous worksite situations and marijuana helps them relax and unwind after stressful day.

The study’s solution proposed a multifaceted approach with screening, treatment of substance abuse, and access to affordable pain management care.

At Nationwide Drug Testing Service, our staff is not only understanding and considerate, but knowledgeable as well. From the moment you contact us, you can expect to deal with a professional, well-trained Representative who will be with you throughout the entire process.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!

A few months ago, Harrow Council in the UK developed an innovative technology fingerprinting system that could detect various drugs by simply taking a fingerprint. While this excellent technology is highly anticipated, another state-of-the-art fingerprint detection technology is in the works.

In a fascinating study published in The Journal of Analytical Toxicology, a team of experts from the University of Surrey describe their fingerprint tool that detects heroin, its metabolite, 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-AM) and other analytes associated with the class A drug.

The tool is sensitive enough to trace heroin and 6-AM through fingerprints in almost every situation imaginable, like “whether someone directly touched the drug, handled it and then thoroughly washed their hands, or had come into contact with heroin via shaking someone else’s hand.”

Dr. Melanie Bailey from the University of Surrey said: “Our team here at the University of Surrey believes that the technology we are developing will make our communities safer and shorten the route for those who need help to beat their addictions. We also believe the technology has scope in other areas, such as confirming whether a patient is taking their medication.”

While technology is always fascinating and advancing, the tool isn’t available yet. So in the meantime, conventional drug testing measures are accurate and reliable.

At Nationwide Drug Testing Service, our staff is not only understanding and considerate, but knowledgeable as well. From the moment you contact us, you can expect to deal with a professional, well-trained Representative who will be with you throughout the entire process.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!

Although recreational and medical marijuana is legal in most states, marijuana use is still a concern for many employers.

Especially for certain occupations like bus drivers, medical professionals, and first responders, even medical marijuana poses a threat to the public if used improperly.

The problem most employers face is that individuals are most impaired by marijuana use within two to three hours after ingestion—which is not enough time to order a drug test to determine if marijuana is the culprit behind a workplace accident or misbehavior.

But all that could change with a new drug test for marijuana that is set to hit the market in 2020.

Doug Boxer from Hound Labs reports on the developing test. He states it’s similar to an alcohol breathalyzer and can detect marijuana use within the two-to-three hour time frame from smoking, vaping, dabbing and ingesting via edibles. It is accurate enough to distinguish recent use from historic use.

“This could be a game changer for employers who are struggling to determine when an employee may have used marijuana — whether it was on the job or off-duty,” said Ben Tievsky, senior associate in the New York office of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.

While employers wait for the breathalyzer to become available, Jennifer Mora, senior counsel in the Los Angeles office of Seyfarth Shaw LLP cautions employers to walk a fine line between ensuring the safety of their workplace and accommodating employees.

Even in states where marijuana use is legal, employers can train managers on impairment signs and use reasonable suspicion checklists. In the case of accommodating a disability, employers can explain to employees that if they come to work appearing under the influence, the individual will be subject to discipline up to and including termination.

At Nationwide Drug Testing Service, our staff is not only understanding and considerate, but knowledgeable as well. From the moment you contact us, you can expect to deal with a professional, well-trained Representative who will be with you throughout the entire process.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!

One high school in Cincinnati, Ohio, is taking some statistics very seriously.

Ohio is second only to West Virginia for the states with the most opioid overdose-related deaths. Seeking to protect students and make a difference, Badin High School, a Catholic school in the Cincinnati area, announced that beginning in 2020, they will require an annual drug test for their students.

The school administrators state the purpose of the policy is to “provide students with help first and to involve parents or guardians every step of the way.”

Each student will be tested at least once a year. Refusal to abide by the policy counts as a positive test. If a student tests positive, the parents or guardians will be notified and must be evaluated by another professional within 90 days.

A first positive test won’t result in disciplinary action, but after a second positive test, the student will have regular drug tests throughout their enrollment and be given a 10-day suspension. A student who tests positively for a third time must meet with school officials and could face expulsion.

With the ever-climbing rise in youth drug use, the school can be commended for their commitment to see teens say ‘no’ drugs.

At Nationwide Drug Testing Service, our staff is not only understanding and considerate, but knowledgeable as well. From the moment you contact us, you can expect to deal with a professional, well-trained Representative who will be with you throughout the entire process.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!

More than 70% of substance abusers are still employed.

Especially for addicts, it’s easy to shrug off all the warning signs. Distorted and irrational thinking that justifies continued substance use is common. It’s easy for addicts to tell themselves they’ve got their addiction under control, especially if they’re employed.

But as addiction counselor Joel Lewin puts it, “having a job can be both the biggest hindrance and the biggest help to overcoming addiction.”

The fear of losing a job after admitting to substance use is understandable. A former addict himself, Lewin sympathizes, “It feels more manageable to tell yourself you’re not ready for that step, and to put it off, and keep putting it off—until you reach a crisis point at work or at home and change is forced on you.”

But there’s a way for to both save a job and be free from addiction!

Most people think “rehab” when discussing addiction recovery. This leads to uncertainty and understandable procrastination and balking at change. Instead, Lewin recommends addicts getting help in an incremental progression, starting with talking to a former addict or an addiction counselor. Voicing their concerns is the first step towards breaking through addiction and recovering.

At Nationwide Drug Testing Service, we know how drugs impact your workplace, your employees and their families. Our staff is not only understanding and considerate, but knowledgeable as well. From the moment you contact us, you can expect to deal with a professional, well-trained Representative who will be with you throughout the entire process.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!

While much of the United States has been rejoicing over Nevada and New York’s recent decision to ban pre-employment testing for marijuana, there are a few caveats to these laws that have been overlooked.

For the safety of the general public, certain occupations prohibit the use of marijuana. According to the Chicago Tribune, “Police officers, peace officers, people who supervise children, any position that requires a commercial driver’s license, nurses and a variety of others cannot test positive for weed – not ever.”

However, many jobs don’t fall into these categories. So are you safe to use marijuana without restraint in certain jurisdictions?

It may appear this way at first. And while in certain jurisdictions you may be able to get the job while using marijuana, you may not be able to keep it. Employers may not be able to test for marijuana in a pre-employment screening, but they are still able to perform random drug tests throughout your employment and exercise disciplinary action or termination depending on your results.

Further, if an employee using marijuana is involved in a workplace accident, that employee is subject to disciplinary action and termination after a drug screening.  

So while you may be able to cruise through the pre-employment drugs screenings and get the job, there’s still plenty of ways marijuana can also get you fired and should be used with caution and restraint. 

At Nationwide Drug Testing Services, our staff is not only understanding and considerate, but knowledgeable as well. From the moment you contact us, you can expect to deal with a professional, well-trained Representative who will be with you throughout the entire process.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!

Most of us know the phrase “the first step towards recovery is admitting you have a problem.” And while this is true, a few other steps can ease fears about telling your boss of your substance abuse and get help.

Joel Lewin is an addiction counselor and a former heroin addict himself. He recommends starting the recovery process by sharing your addiction struggles with a former addict. This could be through social media groups or in a formal counseling setting. Getting the conversation started and opening up about fears and struggles will enable you to share your substance abuse with your boss.

Although you might have been vigilant to keep your substance abuse a secret, colleagues and employers may already suspect it. As Lewin puts it, “HR can work with honesty, but silence enables them to assume the worst and act accordingly.” This could include terminating your job.

Before talking to your employer, make sure you know your rights as well as your company’s drug, alcohol, and healthcare policies. It’s important to remember that your employer can’t discipline or fire you simply for confiding that you have a substance abuse problem. But they can discipline or fire you if your substance use impairs your ability to do your job.

Being honest with your employer is the best policy. Trying to cover up aspects of your substance abuse will inevitably catch up with you. Many employers are relieved to have all information in the open. Hiring can be costly, and many employers are willing to provide services that help retain the employees they’ve invested in and trained. At Nationwide Drug Testing Service, we understand the impact drugs have on the workplace and family. Our staff is not only understanding and considerate, but knowledgeable as well. From the moment you contact us, you can expect to deal with a professional, well-trained Representative who will be with you throughout the entire process.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!

The nearly 50-year-old “war on drugs” may soon be coming to an end.

Started in 1961, Nixon made dramatic changes in response to the rise of drug use, such as increasing the size and presence of federal drug control agencies and legalizing mandatory sentencing and no-knock warrants.

But the increased stakes and consequences to drug possession and use did little to deter users and addicts. Despite the billions of dollars spent on anti-drug campaigns, thousands of lives have been lost due to drugs and millions of individuals have been incarcerated. Once released from prison, individuals struggle to find jobs and assimilate back into society, sending them once again into the vicious cycle of drugs.

All that could be changing. One program called Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) in Seattle has gained a lot of momentum. The program takes a stance of kindness, focusing on recovery instead of prosecution.

Instead of immediately arresting low-level offenders, officers are able to offer treatment programs. These treatment programs aid in addiction recovery and help offenders find stable housing and work. Many of these individuals can avoid the courts altogether and see counselors instead of judges. Violent offenders are not eligible for the program.

While only a few years old (the program began in 2011), LEAD has been the center of several studies that shows graduates of the program are more likely to not be arrested for drugs again, are able to have stable housing and jobs, and a decrease in prison population for drug use.

Programs like LEAD indicate positive changes on the horizon, but in the meantime, reliable drug testing is still needed. That’s where Nationwide Drug Testing Services comes in. Our staff is not only understanding and considerate, but knowledgeable as well. From the moment you contact us, you can expect to deal with a professional, well-trained Representative who will be with you throughout the entire process.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!

With CBD oil growing in popularity around the nation, users are discovering they are falsely testing positive for marijuana use.

In fact, field tests commonly used by local officials can’t determine the difference between CBD oil and pot. James Moody, an attorney who specializes in cannabis law, admits that the testing technology “is woefully behind the where it needs to be.”

Law enforcement uses kits to determine the presence of cannabis, or marijuana consumption. But hemp—where CBD oil is derived from—and marijuana are both derived from the cannabis sativa plant. This means police can’t easily tell the difference and a CBD user is flagged with marijuana use.

“Judges are being told that [a] product is being field tested and is coming back positive for THC, and that’s factually incorrect,” Moody said. “They very well could be possessing nothing other than CBD, which is completely legal.”

With more CBD users nationwide, false positives are becoming more common.

Don’t lose your job over a false positive drug test! If you’ve failed your drug test but suspect it is a false positive, you can request a new drug test.

At Nationwide Drug Testing Service, our staff is not only understanding and considerate, but knowledgeable as well. From the moment you contact us, you can expect to deal with a professional, well-trained Representative who will be with you throughout the entire process.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!

While drug testers commonly say to eat a normal meal before your test, it might be in your best interest to be mindful of what you eat before a drug test! If you have a surprising false positive on your drug test, these foods might be the reason:

Hemp Seeds

Hemp oil, milk or a seedy granola contain trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. It’s not enough to make you high, but the compound can build up in your body if consumed regularly or in high amounts.

Breads and Pastries

Almost all breads and pastries are made with yeast. Yeast ferments the dough and naturally produces a small amount of alcohol. While it’s not enough to make you drunk, if you were to have dough stuck in your teeth while performing a Breathalyzer test, it could come up as a false positive.

Additionally, vanilla, commonly added to breads and pastries, has 35% alcoholic content and could trigger a false positive.

Thankfully, the effects should only last for about 15 minutes. Swishing with water before testing can help achieve accurate results.

Medications and Supplements

OTC cough suppressants such as DayQuil contain dextromethorphan which can result in false positives for phencyclidine (PCP). Another compound called pseudoephedrine is found in decongestants such as Sudafed resembles illegal amphetamines.

Ibuprofen and other NSAIDS have been linked to false positives for THC.

Hemp seed oil—also known as riboflavin—is also sometimes used to produce B12 supplements.

Don’t lose your job over a false positive drug test! If you’ve failed your drug test but suspect it is a false positive, you can request a new drug test.

At Nationwide Drug Testing Service, our staff is not only understanding and considerate, but knowledgeable as well. From the moment you contact us, you can expect to deal with a professional, well-trained Representative who will be with you throughout the entire process.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!

Drug testing has moved beyond the work sector and into schools. Specifically, students in one Texas school district are now required to perform a drug testing before they can participate in any extracurricular activities.

The new requirement is for students seventh to twelfth grades beginning this school year. The policy also includes random drug testing during the school year. If consent isn’t given by student and parent, the student won’t be allowed to participate in after school activities.

But the radical policy doesn’t end there. While some might understand drug testing for high-level sports like football or wrestling, the drug testing is for any extracurricular activities, including chess, choir, debate, yearbook, gaming club, and others.

“Great kids make bad decisions every day and what we want to do is make sure that our kids have the opportunity to make mistakes but come back and make amends,” District superintendent Chris Wigington said.

“We want the testing program to deter drug and alcohol use and help students live drug-free lives,” the board of trustees communicated to parents.

The policy has a four-tiered penalty system of various suspensions from competitions, extracurricular activities, and parking ranging from 30 to 365 days.

The response to the new policy was mixed, some showing disdain, some asking questions of drug testing for teachers, and others showing full support.

With the ever-climbing rise in youth drug use, the Texas school might be a trail-blazer in drug prevention. In any case, the school can be commended for their commitment.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!

Harrow Council in the UK has developed and successfully completed a trial for drug testing.

The innovative technology called Intelligent Fingerprinting uses fingerprints alone for the test. According to the report, the “portable device analyze[s] tiny traces of sweat from fingerprints and within ten minutes, it accurately detects use of drugs ranging from marijuana to heroin and more, which could only be possible by taking an urine or saliva sample.”

The technology was undertaken and developed by Harrow Council’s Children and Family Care service. Their purpose was to help parents prove that they were clean from drugs and help families stay together.

Christine Robson, Portfolio Holder for Children and Families, boldly claims Intelligent Fingerprinting is better than every type of conventional drug testing. She said, “It allows people to prove they’re clean with no fuss, in ten minutes flat. Its low cost means we don’t have to think twice about testing, and it gives people the assurance and satisfaction of showing their clear test results right away.”

This way, families can stay together without detaining children separate from parents until a conventional drug test comes back as clean.

Alternatively, if the results come back as parents being high, Robson says “well that’s better for everyone too, as we can engage with the issue right away, together.” Perhaps in the future, Intelligent Fingerprinting can be used by law enforcement and even employers.

While technology is always fascinating and advancing, the Intelligent Fingerprinting isn’t widely available yet. So in the meantime, conventional drug testing measures are accurate and reliable.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!

Mayor Bill DeBlasio of New York, NY permitted two important regarding cannabis bills to become law absent his signature. These two bills—No. 1427 and No. 1445—limit the situations where cannabis users seeking employment or on probation may be drug tested for past cannabis exposure.

Erik Altieri, the Executive Director for NORML—an organization that seeks to legalize the responsible use of marijuana—commented in favor of both bills, “These reforms protect the civil liberties of New Yorkers and promote fair treatment… We shouldn’t penalize those who privately use cannabis responsibly from gainful employment, nor should the courts seize upon this behavior as a justification to return someone to jail or prison.”

Bill No. 1427 doesn’t require marijuana testing unless it is determined that abstinence from marijuana is necessary for the individual to lead a law-abiding life.

Bill No. 1445 prohibits the requirement of marijuana testing as a condition for employment. Exceptions are made for employees seeking safety sensitive positions, such as police officers or commercial drivers, as well as positions regulated by federal drug testing guidelines.

However, if you notice changes in your employees after hire that are consistent with drug use or abuse, you have the right to perform a random drug test. 

At Nationwide Drug Testing Service, our staff is not only understanding and considerate, but knowledgeable as well. From the moment you contact us, you can expect to deal with a professional, well-trained Representative who will be with you throughout the entire process.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!

In Arizona, more and more people have been caught cheating on employer-required drug tests. From 2017 to 2018, this number rose by 40%.

Up to 9% of people deal with substance abuse. Among doctors and nurses, that number is thought to be as high as 15 %. In Arizona, the most common forms of attempted cheating include using substitute urine or synthetic urine.

One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, explains, “It’s super easy to do. They give you a little bottle. It comes with a temperature strip on it. You premix the little urine in the water, and it looks yellow. It has, supposedly, all the properties.” She had used this synthetic urine successfully twice before.

But the third time, she got caught. The lab detected an imbalance with the properties of her urine. They called to inform her that she had failed her drug test, which also meant she lost her job in the medical field.

“I have learned a terrible lesson,” she said regretfully.

The upswing of cheating on drug tests should be a wake-up call to employers. The rates of those caught has risen 40%; who knows how many other cheating attempts went undetected. If an employee shows signs of drug use or abuse, you have the legal right to test all your employees at any time during employment, even if they have previously passed a drug test. It’s up to you to provide a safe and healthy workspace for all employees.

If you, other supervisors, or employees notice changes in a fellow employee, take action immediately through Nationwide Drug Testing Services. We offer affordable and reliable tests with quick results and convenient testing locations.

Call today to schedule an appointment or order online!

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a cannabis compound that allows the same medical benefits as marijuana. The difference is regular marijuana contains THC, the element that causes the drug’s “high,” whereas CBD oil does not.

CBD oil is extracted from marijuana or hemp and then consumed as liquid, pills, or mixed into foods. It is often used for ailments such as:

• Inflammation
• Anxiety
• Seizures
• Arthritis
• PTSD
• Epilepsy

CBD oil is popping up everywhere: in gummies, candies, “energy drinks”, and even dog treats. It’s claimed benefits grab the attention of people from all backgrounds and ailments. It’s been termed “the new avocado toast” for the younger generations, but is used by every age group.

You might know someone who uses CBD oil for their ailments or anxiety. If you don’t, it won’t be long before you do.

While discrimination against marijuana users is not allowed (and certain states have laws protecting against discrimination), you as the employer have the legal right to test all your employees before hire and at any time during employment if you have reasonable suspicion that your employee is using marijuana. This includes states where its use is legal.

When used as directed or prescribed, CBD oil shouldn’t show up on a drug test or cause unusual or dangerous behavior in the user. If CBD oil relieves the user’s ailments or anxieties, you may see improved work ethic, productivity, mood, or socialization.

However, like any chemical-altering substance, CBD oil can be abused. If you, other supervisors or employees notice negative changes in a fellow employee, take action immediately through Nationwide Drug Testing Services. We offer affordable and reliable tests with quick results and convenient testing locations.

Call today to schedule an appointment or order online!

You go to the doctor for an ailment and he prescribes you a medication. You follow the directions carefully, are regimented to take your medication on time, and never miss a dose. Then your employer performs a random drug test for everyone in the office. Despite not using or abusing drugs, the results say that you’ve failed your drug test.

What happened?

You might be surprised to learn that false positive drug tests due to medication are becoming more common. A 2010 report shows the following medications have been known to cause false positive drug tests:

• Brompheniramine
• Bupropion
• Chlorpromazine
• Clomipramine
• Dextromethorphan
• Diphenhydramine
• Doxylamine
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen
• Promethazine
• Quetiapine
• Quinolones (ofloxacin and gatifloxacin)
• Ranitidine
• Sertraline
• Thioridazine
• Trazodone
• Venlafaxine
• Verapamil

In 2018, another study discovered false positives from mexiletine, a drug given for the treatment of arrhythmia. As research probes deeper, more and more common medications are being attributed to so many false positive drug test results.

Don’t lose your job over a false positive drug test! If you’ve failed your drug test but suspect it is a false positive, you can request a new drug test.

At Nationwide Drug Testing Service, our staff is not only understanding and considerate, but knowledgeable as well. From the moment you contact us, you can expect to deal with a professional, well-trained Representative who will be with you throughout the entire process.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!

One term that is frequently encountered when dealing with abuse of prescriptions or illegal drugs is “half-life.” It is also sometimes called an “elimination half-life.” As the name suggests, a drug’s half-life is how long it takes for the drug’s concentration to drop 50%.

Each drug has a different half-life. This is determined by the drug itself, but also factors impacting how the drug is metabolized in an individual’s body like weight, age, physical health, and sex.

The drug’s half-life determines how long the substance will be in someone’s body and doesn’t directly relate to the onset of euphoric effects. Effects may be felt immediately or within a few minutes, but the half-life of the drug can last hours or days. The drug’s half-life is the same regardless of route of administration (orally versus injection).

The half-life of illegal drugs includes:

• Heroin: Between 2 and 6 minutes.
• Cocaine: One hour.
• Marijuana/THC: Between 4 and 6 days.
• Methamphetamine: About 11 hours.

Opioid painkillers:

• Oxycodone: 3 to 5 hours.
• Morphine: 1 to 7 hours.
• Fentanyl: 3 to 12 hours.

Knowing when to test is key to getting correct results. At Nationwide Drug Testing Services, our staff is not only understanding and considerate, but knowledgeable as well. From the moment you contact us, you can expect to deal with a professional, well-trained Representative who will be with you throughout the entire process. We can help you find the specific testing package you need.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results. Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!

It’s inevitable that those using drugs will try to beat drug tests so they can continue with substance abuse. Especially for those in severe addiction, individuals may go to great lengths to cover their drug use.

The measures an individual uses depends on which drug test they are being subject to.

Urine Tests

Methods for trying to beat a urine test include:

• Detoxify their urine by drinking large amounts of water or cranberry juice. Numerous drinks, capsules, and chewables are available online that promise to cleanse urine in as little as one hour.
• Use additives—liquid or solid crystal chemicals that “guarantee” to mask or eliminate the presence of drugs.
• Substitute someone else’s urine for their own, often from a friend or loved one, and pour the subsitute urine into the test cup.

Other Tests

For tests involving saliva, there are a variety of gums, capsules, and mouthwashes that claim to deliver purified saliva. There are also a variety of shampoos, cleansing hair mud products, and purifying systems for hair tests.

Do They Work?

In short, no.

Home remedies and online products are often expensive and don’t succeed in cleansing or detoxifying urine. Dilution and additives show up on the results to alert employers to perform further testing.

With Nationwide Drug Testing Services, you don’t have to worry about false results. Our knowledgeable staff will be with you throughout the entire process. We can help you find the specific testing package you need and deliver accurate, informative results.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!

“Drugs” is a general term that defines a variety of foreign substances in the body that cause some kind of effect. Drugs may include illegal or illicit drugs. They might be correct or abusive use or prescription drugs. Some substances like cleaning supplies and gasoline can be used abusively for psychoactive effects.

There are many factors that impact a drug test. According to American Addiction Centers, some of these include:

• The dose
• Presence of other drugs in the body
• Age
• Ethnicity
• Sex
• Weight
• Incidence of medical conditions affecting drug elimination, like kidney problems

This means that two people consuming the same drug could have very different effects. Even prescription drugs have great variance in their dosage for the patient’s safety.

While it’s true that two different people consuming the same drug will metabolize and expel the drug differently, it’s also true that two people of similar age, weight, sex, and health will metabolize the same drugs similarly.

Once a drug is consumed, the body begins the process to metabolize the drug. This means it will break down the drug into specific molecules, chemically changing the substance to be expelled from the body. Each drug has a different timeline for how long the body takes to break down and expel the drug.

Even with different factors, illegal drugs stay in a person’s system generally the same amount of time:

• Heroin: 1-3 days.
• Cocaine: 2-3 days.
• Marijuana/THC: 1-7 days.
• Meth: 2-3 days.

If you suspect that one of your employees is using illegal drugs or abusing prescription drugs, you have the right to perform a random drug test.  At Nationwide Drug Testing Service, our staff is not only understanding and considerate, but knowledgeable as well. From the moment you contact us, you can expect to deal with a professional, well-trained Representative who will be with you throughout the entire process.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!

As more states legalize medical marijuana, the industry continues to grow. And growing with the industry is a body of research that shows marijuana is beneficial as alternative medicine to treat certain ailments.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a cannabis compound that allows the same medical benefits as marijuana. The difference is regular marijuana contains THC, the element that causes the drug’s “high,” whereas CBD oil does not.

CBD oil is extracted from marijuana or hemp and then consumed as liquid, pills, or mixed into foods. It is often used for ailments such as:

• Inflammation
• Anxiety
• Seizures
• Arthritis
• PTSD
• Epilepsy

With the potential for more and more people to use CBD oil, is this something we should be concerned about in the workplace? Does CBD oil cause the same effects as marijuana? Can you fail a drug test by using CBD oil?

It’s important to remember that THC—the dangerous part of the drug—is removed. Therefore, CBD oil doesn’t cause a “high” and is safe to use for those in the workplace.

Drug tests screen for the presence of THC, not CBD. Occasionally, those who take high doses of CBD oil will get a “false positive,” but further tests can conclude that the user is taking CBD oil and not marijuana. When in doubt, it’s best to refrain from using CBD oil if a drug test is expected.

You can be confident choosing Nationwide Drug Testing Service as your drug test provider. Our staff is not only understanding and considerate, but knowledgeable as well. From the moment you contact us, you can expect to deal with a professional, well-trained Representative who will be with you throughout the entire process.

Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results.

Marijuana comes from the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa or indica plants. It contains the mind and mood-altering chemical THC. Marijuana is usually smoked in cigarettes, pipes, and vaporizers, or can be ingested orally through food, candy, and tea.

While marijuana can have long-term effects (mostly affecting the brain development of teenage users), the most noticeable changes are the short-term effects. THC is passed from the lungs to the brain where users experience heightened senses, changes in their mood, impaired body movement, difficulty with thinking and problem-solving and impaired memory. Hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis can occur when marijuana is used in higher doses.

Marijuana can cause breathing problems, increased heart rate, nausea and vomiting, and effects developing fetuses. It can also cause temporary hallucinations and paranoia, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

Detection times for marijuana vary depending on how often the drug is used, but is detectable in blood and saliva for only a few hours regardless of frequency. It can be detected in a urine sample for up to 13 days for a one-time use, up to 45 days for regular use, and up to 90 days for heavy use. Hair tests can detect the drug for up to 90 days as well. 

Marijuana and it’s legalization for recreational or medical use is a hot political and social topic. It is currently legal for medical use in 23 states and for medical/recreational use in 10 states. Many other states are pushing for legalization. How do you know your rights as an employer, or when you’ve crossed the line?

While discrimination against marijuana users is not allowed (and certain states have laws protecting against discrimination), you as the employer have the legal right to test all your employees before hire and at any time during employment if you have reasonable suspicion that your employee is using marijuana. This includes states where its use is legal.

Even though marijuana use may be legal in your state, the employer has the right to ban its use in their workplace by giving a clearly-defined drug policy to all employees. Abuse or overuse of marijuana—even marijuana given for medical use—can compromise the safety of other staff members and create an unstable work environment.  

If you, other supervisors, or employees notice changes in a fellow employee, take action immediately through Nationwide Drug Testing Services. We offer affordable and reliable tests with quick results and convenient testing locations.

Call today to schedule an appointment or order online!

Marijuana comes from the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa or indica plants. It contains the mind and mood-altering chemical THC. Marijuana is usually smoked in cigarettes, pipes, and vaporizers, or can be ingested orally through food, candy, and tea.

While marijuana can have long-term effects (mostly affecting the brain development of teenage users), the most noticeable changes are the short-term effects. THC is passed from the lungs to the brain where users experience heightened senses, changes in their mood, impaired body movement, difficulty with thinking and problem-solving and impaired memory. Hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis can occur when marijuana is used in higher doses.

Marijuana can cause breathing problems, increased heart rate, nausea and vomiting, and effects developing fetuses. It can also cause temporary hallucinations and paranoia, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

Detection times for marijuana vary depending on how often the drug is used, but is detectable in blood and saliva for only a few hours regardless of frequency. It can be detected in a urine sample for up to 13 days for a one-time use, up to 45 days for regular use, and up to 90 days for heavy use. Hair tests can detect the drug for up to 90 days as well. 

Marijuana and it’s legalization for recreational or medical use is a hot political and social topic. It is currently legal for medical use in 23 states and for medical/recreational use in 10 states. Many other states are pushing for legalization. How do you know your rights as an employer, or when you’ve crossed the line?

While discrimination against marijuana users is not allowed (and certain states have laws protecting against discrimination), you as the employer have the legal right to test all your employees before hire and at any time during employment if you have reasonable suspicion that your employee is using marijuana. This includes states where its use is legal.

Even though marijuana use may be legal in your state, the employer has the right to ban its use in their workplace by giving a clearly-defined drug policy to all employees. Abuse or overuse of marijuana—even marijuana given for medical use—can compromise the safety of other staff members and create an unstable work environment.  

If you, other supervisors, or employees notice changes in a fellow employee, take action immediately through Nationwide Drug Testing Services. We offer affordable and reliable tests with quick results and convenient testing locations.

Call today to schedule an appointment or order online!

Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug that can cause serious damage to the brain, skin, and teeth, and has significant addictive qualities that hold users captive. Here’s what you need to know about meth.

Methamphetamine hydrochloride (also known by “street” names like crank, crystal, glass, ice, meth, rock candy or speed) is a powder that varies in color from white to light brown. It can also look like crystal or ice. Meth can be used by smoking or snorting the powder, injecting it with a needle, or ingesting orally.

There are five stages to meth intoxication. First is “the rush,” where a flood of dopamine rushes to the brain and intensifies the senses. The second stage is the high from meth, which lasts for up to 14 hours, where the user becomes hyperactive, exhibits aggressive or compulsive behavior, confusion, and the inability to form coherent sentences.

The third stage is binging on meth, where users continue to use meth for several days to avoid crashing. This often involves avoiding food until the fourth stage, the crash, occurs. This stage is characterized by extreme exhaustion and prolonged periods of sleeping.  

The final and most dangerous stage is called tweaking, where the user becomes paranoid, frustrated, unstable, unpredictable, and even develop a meth psychosis. Cravings for more meth are intense, but the effects aren’t as strong due to overuse. This keeps users going back for more.

Several factors impact the detection time for meth: how the drug was administered, if used with other drugs and/or alcohol, the frequency of use, and the age and health of the user.

Meth can be detected in a urine sample as early as 2 hours after use and up to 5 days after the last use. In blood, detection ranges 1 hour to 3 days. Saliva has the earliest detection at 10 minutes and can still detect at 4 days post-use. Hair has the longest detection time at up to 90 days post-use. 

As an employer, you have the legal right to test all your employees before hire and at any time during employment if you have reasonable suspicion that they are using meth. If you, other supervisors, or employees notice changes in an employee, take action immediately through Nationwide Drug Testing Services. We offer affordable and reliable tests with quick results and convenient testing locations.

Call today to schedule an appointment or order online!