Background Checks - Pre-Employment Drug Testing
A background check during a job application process is where the prospective employers attempt to find out information about you not disclosed or available in the interview. Previously, this would have simply been a phone call to a manager or referee asking about your work ethic. With increased competition in the work place due to a worsening economy, prospective employers are now being more invasive in their investigations.
The most noted change in the recent decade is pre-employment drug testing. The reasoning behind subjecting applicants to a drug test is two fold. First, it discourages potential employees that do not fit their ideal profile from applying. Secondly, it limits occupational, health and safety risks in the workplace.
To explain the second reasoning, it is worthwhile referencing the National Criminal Justice Reference Service website (www.ncjrs.gov). This lists America’s drug abuse profile and shows that there is typically more than half a million hospital emergency room events related to drug use each year. If an individual has a drug related episode in the workplace that needs medical attention, there are multiple concerns for that company. First there is the harm that individual can do to other employees. If for example, that staff member is a forklift driver driving at speed around other individuals. Not only can they injure themselves if under the influence of a drug, but other staff as well. The litigious costs alone could cripple the company if action is brought by other staff members. Secondly, it is important to consider lost productivity. While this takes a backseat to the human element, if an employee is absent or less productive, then that affects the business as a whole.
What Does A Drug Test Detect?
The substances that will be detected in a drug test will of course depend on the nature of the test. To give you an idea though, a 9 drug profile urine test will look for –
Amphetamines – amphetamines are a stimulant effecting the central nervous system.
Barbiturates – barbiturates depress the activity of the entire central nervous system. They are also known as downers.
Cannabinoids – cannabinoids and taken through smoking cannabis (also known as weed or pot). The effects of cannabis are varied from user and may range from a deep sense of relation through to paranoia, image distortion and hallucination.
Cocaine – cocaine is an addictive stimulant that directly affects the brain. Cocaine inhibits the re-absorption of dopamine by nerve cells.
Methadone – high does methadone can block the effects of heroine.
Opiates – opiates are a central nervous system depressant. Users experience feelings of euphoria or relaxation.
PCP (Phencyclidine) – PCP have properties of both a stimulant and a depressant. Physical symptoms can include slurred speech, muscle rigidity and disorientation.
Propoxyphene – a narcotic pain reliever.
For more information on what is in a drug test - click here.
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Note - this information is for general education purposes only and is not medical advice. If you suffer from any condition, see your medical professional for an appropriate diagnosis and effective course of treatment.
