What Drugs Show Up on a Drug Test? | Sober College (2023)

What Drugs Show Up on a Drug Test? | Sober College (1)

Category: Alcohol Abuse and Addiction, ,

If you suspect your child is using drugs and is being dishonest about it, you may be looking for ways to find out the truth. While there are several signs your child can exhibit that indicate substance abuse is a problem, you may still want concrete evidence of what they are using and how serious the problem may be.

Administering a drug test is one of the easiest ways to determine what your child is using. There are numerous types of drug tests available and each one has the ability to detect different forms of drugs and the presence of substances in the system for different periods of time after use has occurred.

The Most Common Types of Drug Tests

There are numerous types of drug tests available and it is important to understand the differences between them before proceeding. The most common drug tests administered are:

  • At-home drug tests
  • Hair drug tests
  • Blood drug tests

Some drug tests are more effective at detecting substances than others and may be able to identify a wider array of substances in the system. The type of drug used, the form of drug test administered, and the individual are all factors to consider when evaluating the results. While some options are more inexpensive, they may not be as effective at identifying levels of a substance in the system or may be easy to cheat. For example, urine samples and at-home drug tests may be easy to cheat, especially in situations where the collection of the specimen is not monitored.

At-Home Drug Tests

Home drug tests are one of the first many opt to try. They serve as both a preventive measure and an investigative option. Because your child knows they will be regularly tested, they should be less likely to use drugs. If you suspect they are already using, it can help you determine if there is a need for treatment, but actions must be taken following positive results.

At-home drug tests are relatively inexpensive and can be ordered online or found in stores. These kits typically come with a collection cup and test strips to administer at home. There are options for both 5-panel and 10-panel tests.

5-panel tests can identify:

  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamines
  • Opiates
  • PCP
  • Marijuana

A 10-panel test can identify these as well:

  • Benzodiazepines
  • Propoxyphene
  • Methadone
  • Barbiturates
  • Methaqualone

Because they can only identify a limited amount of substances, they may be able to identify the type of drug your child is using. Additionally, at-home tests can make it easier for your child to cheat the test. With access to the Internet, your child can easily find ways to work around the test and pass it.

It is also important to consider the potential backlash that may develop as a result of administering an at-home drug test. Your child may feel as though it is an invasion of their privacy and possibly damage your relationship. Be prepared for your child to be resentful and possibly develop other behavioral issues as a result.

Hair Drug Tests

Hair drug tests are minimally invasive and can be purchased over the counter in some places. Hair drug tests can identify:

  • Cocaine
  • Marijuana
  • Amphetamines
  • Opiates
  • PCP
  • Marijuana

These types of drug tests are becoming more popular because they are nearly impossible to cheat. Hair testing can detect drugs for up to 90 days after use and substance use is impossible to wash out or mask. You can choose different panels of tests and these are able to detect the same substances a urine test would find.

This form of test requires a person to provide a sample that is 1.5 inches in length. If the person shaves their head, it is possible to also test body hair. If no hair is available, a urine test may be administered instead.

Blood Drug Tests

Blood drug tests are the most expensive and the most invasive, but they are also the most accurate. This form of testing is often used in legal situations, such as testing a person who is suspected of driving under the influence. Blood drug tests must be administered in a medical setting. While they are the most accurate, they also have the shortest detection period, meaning that the test must be conducted relatively close to the time use occurs.

Blood testing can identify:

  • Cocaine
  • Codeine
  • LSD
  • PCP
  • Marijuana
  • Amphetamines
  • Methamphetamines
  • Barbiturates
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Cotinine

This form of testing is virtually impossible to cheat, but they can be passed if a person engages in behaviors to try and flush the drug out of their system.

What Drugs are Undetectable in a Drug Test?

Some drug tests are unable to detect specific drugs making it important to try and find evidence of what substance you think your child is using. This can help you choose what form of drug test to use. For example, at-home drug tests are unable to detect hallucinogens or psychedelic drugs such as LSD or mushrooms.

Additionally, some drugs are unable to be detected because they are constantly changing. Synthetic drugs, also known as designer drugs, are substances manufactured in labs. Substances such as bath salts are constantly being changed to make them undetectable and avoid laws regarding legality.

How Far Back Can a Drug Test Detect Drugs?

Timing is key if you suspect your child is using drugs. Depending on the substance abused, some can pass through the system more quickly than others. It is important to administer a test as soon as possible to identify what your child is using. Below are detection periods for some of the most commonly abused drugs:

DrugHow Soon After Use Does it
Show on a Drug Test?
(Hours)
How Long After Using Will it
Continue to Show on a Drug Test?
(Days)
Marijuana1-31-7
Cocaine (Crack)2-62-3
Heroin (Opiates)2-61-3
Methamphetamines4-62-3
PCP4-67-14
Ecstasy2-72-4
Benzodiazepines2-71-4
Barbiturates2-47-21
Methadone3-81-3
Antidepressants8-122-7
Oxycodone1-31-2

How Accurate are Drug Tests?

Drug tests help you identify if substance abuse is occurring, but some are more effective than others. For example, at-home tests are often used because they are the least expensive and easy to administer, but they are not as advanced as lab testing. While they can identify drugs are in the system, they cannot tell you the amount. In this case, it is recommended that a positive at-home test be sent to a lab for further analysis.

Hair drug tests have become more popular recently because they of their accuracy, however, they can be expensive and can take a long period of time to process. Blood tests are the most accurate form of testing available, however, they are not often conducted because they require a person to be in a medical setting, can be quite costly, and are more invasive than other options. Unlike other tests, blood tests can tell you how much of a substance is in a person’s system at the time of the test.

Common Ways to Beat a Drug Test

There are numerous ways a person may try to beat a drug test. It is important to not give your child advanced notice of the test in order to minimize the likelihood of this occurring. If your child is aware of an upcoming drug test, they may research the window of time drugs are able to be detected to ensure the test does not return positive.

Some of the most common ways your child may attempt to cheat a drug test include:

  • Getting urine from a friend: A drug-free friend may provide urine to your child so they can pass a test.
  • Using synthetic urine: Synthetic urine can be purchased online in both powdered and liquid form. These can, however, be detected on a drug test.
  • Drinking lots of water: Your child may attempt to flush substances from their system by drinking a lot of water. This can also dilute a urine sample.
  • Exercising and dieting: Depending on the drug they use some substances can be flushed from the system using exercise and dieting.

Your child may also attempt to tamper with a test if unmonitored when administered. They may also use detox kits to try and flush their system and minimize the presence of substances in their system.

What to do if Your Child Tests Positive on a Drug Test?

Regardless of the method you choose, taking action following a positive drug test is important. If you use an at-home kit, be sure to send the sample to a lab for further testing. Administering a drug test without follow-up does not benefit your child and may put them on high alert to be more careful with their use to avoid detection in the future.

Send us a message for more information about next steps to take following a positive drug test. We can connect you with specialists who can assess your child’s needs and make recommendations for treatment options.

Sources
https://www.verywellmind.com/parents-warned-about-home-drug-testing-63771
https://www.livestrong.com/article/199203-medications-that-will-test-positve-for-thc/
https://www.nationaldrugscreening.com/show-blog.php?id=340
https://addictionresource.com/drug-testing/blood-drug-testing/
https://www.wikihow.com/Pass-a-Drug-Test-With-Home-Remedies

FAQs

What do college drug tests look for? ›

The NCAA tests for steroids, peptide hormones and masking agents year-round and also tests for stimulants and recreational drugs during championships. Member schools also may test for these substances as part of their athletics department drug-deterrence programs.

What drugs fail a drug test? ›

Medications that may cause false positives
  • Dextromethorphan (Robitussin, Delsym) Dextromethorphan is the main ingredient in many OTC cough suppressants. ...
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) ...
  • Certain decongestants. ...
  • Phentermine. ...
  • NSAIDs. ...
  • Some antidepressants. ...
  • Quetiapine. ...
  • Proton pump inhibitors.
Jul 14, 2022

What drugs are tested in a 12 panel drug screen? ›

This panel contains the following components: Amphetamine, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Cocaine, Methadone, Methamphetamine, Opiates, Oxycodone, Phencyclidine, Propoxyphene, Cannabinoids (THC), and Tricyclic Antidepressants or their metabolites.

Does Delta 8 show up on drug tests? ›

Delta-8 THC is a chemical found in cannabis with similar effects to traditional (delta-9) THC. Because delta-8 THC is similar to delta-9 THC, it can make you feel high and is likely to show up on a drug test.

What happens if you fail a drug test as a college athlete? ›

Failing a test for an NCAA-banned drug means the student-athlete cannot take part in any regular-season or postseason competition, unless a medical exception is granted.

How far back does a lab urine test go? ›

What is the detection window for a lab-based, urine drug test? A: Urine drug testing typically detects recent drug use in the previous 24 to 72 hours.

What drugs test positive on a drug test? ›

Drug tests commonly test for:
  • Alcohol.
  • Amphetamines, including methamphetamine.
  • Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital and secobarbital.
  • Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam or clonazepam.
  • Cocaine.
  • Marijuana (THC)
  • Opioids and opiates, such as heroin, codeine, oxycodone, morphine, hydrocodone, and fentanyl.
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)
Jun 7, 2022

Can ibuprofen cause false positive on drug test? ›

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including ibuprofen and naproxen) (2,3) as well as proton pump inhibitors (specifically pantoprazole) (3) have been reported to cause false positives on urine drug screens.

What makes a drug test false negative? ›

False-negative results occur when a drug or metabolite is present at such low levels that it is not detected. Confirmatory testing is essential to distinguish a true negative from a false negative. Contaminants can also interfere with the immunoassay's ability to detect the presence of drugs.

What is the difference between drug test and drug screen? ›

A drug test and a drug screening are often used interchangeably, but there are notable differences between the two terms. In general, a drug test is more extensive and accurate than a drug screening, whereas a drug screening provides faster results and is a more cost-effective approach.

Does CBD show up on a 10 panel drug screen? ›

The presence of CBD itself won't show up on a drug test. However, the use of certain CBD products could, in theory, result in a positive test if there are low levels of THC present. THC sometimes finds its way into CBD products due to contamination in the manufacturing process.

What are the 10 drugs on a 10 panel drug test? ›

A 10-panel drug test screens for the following drug types:
  • Amphetamines.
  • Cocaine.
  • Marijuana.
  • Opiates.
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)
  • Barbiturates.
  • Benzodiazepines.
  • Propoxyphene.
Dec 2, 2022

Can you fail drug test with delta 10? ›

The bad news is that yes, Delta-10 THC will make you fail a drug test. Much like Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 is a close cousin to Delta-9. It too has a similar chemical structure meaning that Delta-10 THC will most likely appear as THC on a standard drug test.

Will CBD pop on military drug test? ›

CBD alone is non-psychotropic, which means it doesn't produce the high associated with other marijuana components like THC. Although the levels may not be high, they can still result in a positive drug test, which can subject service members to disciplinary action.

How do I clean my Delta 8 system? ›

Delta-8 stays in your system depending on multiple factors regarding individual body, lifestyle, substance use amount, and drug test type. Delta-8 can be cleared from your system by extended abstinence, drinking large amounts of water, exercising, eating healthy, and detox products.

How many times do college athletes get drug tested? ›

For student-athletes, being drug tested isn't something new. Nearly every other week, athletes are randomly tested for various banned substances by the NCAA, the Big Ten Conference and by their respective universities.

Can NCAA athletes take CBD? ›

CANNABINOIDS: Cannabinoids include cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabis use is linked to anxiety, panic reactions, respiratory damage, short-term memory impairment and a decreased focus on goals and personal achievement. Cannabinoids are banned by the NCAA and can result in suspension.

Do college coaches drug test? ›

Coach Testing Overview

While the NCAA does not require coaches to be drug tested, most schools perform a comprehensive background check, including drug testing, as an initial requirement of employment.

Is it better to fail a DOT drug test or refuse? ›

Is a DOT Drug Test Refusal the Same as a Failed Drug Test? Refusing to take a drug test has the same consequences as failing a DOT drug test. Your employer must immediately remove you from safety-sensitive duties, per DOT regulations.

What drugs will make you fail a DOT drug test? ›

DOT drug tests require laboratory testing (49 CFR Part 40 Subpart F) for the following five classes of drugs:
  • Marijuana.
  • Cocaine.
  • Opiates – opium and codeine derivatives.
  • Amphetamines and methamphetamines.
  • Phencyclidine – PCP.
Jul 22, 2021

How far back does a 10 panel urine test go? ›

A 10-panel drug test is one of many screenings employers can use to detect prescription or illicit drugs.
...
How Far Back Does A 10-panel Urine Test Go?
SubstanceDetection Time Frame
Amphetamines48 hours
Barbiturates24 hours to 3 weeks
BenzodiazepinesUp to six weeks for extended use
Cocaine2-4 days
5 more rows
Jun 8, 2022

What drug test is most accurate? ›

Blood testing is expensive and invasive, but is the most reliable for determining if the individual is under the influence of drugs or alcohol right now. Hair testing has the longest detection window, nearly 90 days, and is the least invasive method of all, but also has the highest cost.

What does a 10 panel drug test test for? ›

The 10 panel drug test includes marijuana, PCP, amphetamines, opiates (codeine, morphine & heroin), cocaine, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, propoxyphene, & methaqualone (Quaaludes). This 10 panel does not include Opioids or synthetic opiates such as Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone and Oxymorphone.

What is the most common drug test for employment? ›

Urinalysis – A urine test is the most common form of pre-employment drug testing and is typically conducted once a conditional offer of employment has been sent. A urine test can show traces of drug use even after the effects of the drug have worn off and remain in the body for an extended period of time.

Can Benadryl give false positive? ›

Antihistamines, such as Benadryl: Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in these medications, helps treat itching, allergies, and cold symptoms; but it may also trigger a positive result for opioids, opiates, or PCP on a drug test.

What happens if you accidentally drink too much water before a drug test? ›

Drinking a lot of water before a test might result in a positive dilute but will not produce a negative result. It might make it more challenging to test for substances like THC, but it also warns labs and employers that something is wrong. It will just trigger more tests.

How common is a negative dilute drug test? ›

Reasons For A Dilute Specimen

According to literature, about five percent of specimens meet dilute criteria3. Occurrence of dilute specimens can be attributed to multiple reasons, a few of which are highlighted below.

What does a urine drug screen detect? ›

What do these tests do? These tests indicate if one or more prescription or illegal drugs are present in urine. These tests detect the presence of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, methamphetamine, amphetamines, PCP, benzodiazepine, barbiturates, methadone, tricyclic antidepressants, ecstasy, and oxycodone.

How can I mess up a urine drug test? ›

Usually people try to cheat drug testing by three different ways: substituting their urine with synthetic urine or drug-free urine purchased from a clandestine source; drinking a commercially available product to flush out drugs; or adding an adulterant in vitro to the urine specimen after collection.

What makes a urine test negative? ›

A negative result on an initial drug test indicates that no evidence of drug use or misuse was detected in the urine sample. This may be because you haven't used the specific drugs tested, you last used the drug outside its detection window, or there were problems in conducting the drug test.

What are the three types of drug tests? ›

  • Urine Testing.
  • Oral Fluid Testing.
  • Synthetics Testing.

Is a urine drug screen the same as a urinalysis? ›

Urinalysis is not the same as a drug screening or pregnancy test, although all three tests involve a urine sample.

Do drug tests test for nicotine? ›

At-home drug tests are available to screen for tobacco use and nicotine exposure. While at-home tests that detect nicotine are uncommon, cotinine tests can be conducted on samples of blood, saliva, or urine.

Can CBD vape test positive? ›

CBD itself will not cause a false positive drug test but people can still test positive for marijuana because there could actually be small amounts of THC in these products, especially if they're made from hemp,” says Steve Dudley, director of the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center.

Will you test positive for delta 9? ›

If you're using delta-9 daily or several times a day, you may still have trace amounts of delta 9 triggering a positive drug test as late as 90 days after usage in a hair follicle test, though many people will be able to pass a drug test in 30 to 60 days with lighter usage.

How long does CBD stay in urine? ›

How long is CBD detectable in urine? Research on how long CBD stays in a person's urine is limited. However, one study from 2016 found that subjects tested positive for CBD metabolites within two hours of administration, but flushed it out of their bodies within 24 hours.

What type of drug test does CastleBranch use? ›

All applicants to the Nursing Program are required to complete a Castlebranch Urine Drug Screen (UDS) in order to be accepted.

Does inconclusive drug test mean positive? ›

A negative test result shows that no drug residues were found in your sample. An inconclusive result indicates that the testing was not able to confirm whether drug residues were or were not present and may require repeat sample collection and testing.

What does a 15 panel hair follicle test for? ›

One commonly used hair follicle drug panel looks for evidence of the use of five drugs or drug classes: marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, PCP, and opioids.

How long will delta 8 stay in your urine? ›

Delta 8 can remain detectable in the blood or urine for as long as 30 days or as short as two days. There are a lot of factors that can either shorten or prolong the amount of time it takes for delta 8 to be completely cleared from the body.

Can delta 8 get you fired? ›

So, even though Delta-8 isn't illegal, it will still show positive for THC and you will be fired for having it in your system. Yes, it's legal to fire someone for using a legal substance.

How do you get delta 8 out of your system in 24 hours? ›

Drinking plenty of water is the best way to flush delta 8 out of your system as quickly as possible. Drinking plenty of water can help to flush substances out of your body, including delta 8.

Can you smoke delta-8 in military? ›

Despite its availability, Delta-8 is an illegal substance in the Army and is strictly prohibited. “Per AR 600-85, The Army Substance Abuse Program, Soldiers are prohibited from using hemp or hemp derivative products,” he said.

Does delta-8 show up on drug tests? ›

Delta-8 THC is a chemical found in cannabis with similar effects to traditional (delta-9) THC. Because delta-8 THC is similar to delta-9 THC, it can make you feel high and is likely to show up on a drug test.

Can hemp shampoo fail a drug test? ›

There may be a risk where laboratories observe detectable hair concentrations of CBD, THC, and CBN in donors who use hemp oil cosmetically on their hair that the result interpretation could mistakenly suggest light cannabis use, or passive exposure.

Will delta-9 make you fail a drug screen? ›

As we stated above, both our full spectrum CBD products and Delta 9 gummies (a.k.a. high potency full spectrum CBD) include a measurable amount of THC. But if all our products are federally legal, does our Delta 9 THC show up on a standard drug test? Yes, all forms of THC will show up on a drug test.

Does water help flush delta 8? ›

The most effective way to clear Delta 8 from your system is to drink plenty of water. This will help you flush more Delta 8 THC via urination and will help dilute the remainder of the THC metabolites in your system.

How long does delta-9 gummies stay in your urine? ›

Delta-9 THC gummies tend to stay in your system for about as long as other types of edibles. Here are some rough guidelines of what you can expect: Tangible effects: 2-8 hours. Detection in urine: 3-5 days.

What happens if you test positive on a NCAA drug test? ›

Student-athletes who test positive for a banned substance, or who breach NCAA protocol, are subject to loss of eligibility. These student-athletes may be subject to additional testing for all NCAA banned substances by the NCAA at any time. Drug-testing penalties are legislated under NCAA Bylaws 18.4.

How long does a NCAA drug test take? ›

Student-athletes are required to provide a urine specimen under observation by a doping control officer designated by the NCAA's drug-testing agency. The process can be completed in less than 20 minutes, but timing depends on the student-athlete's ability to provide a specimen of adequate volume and gravity.

Do they test for nicotine in NCAA? ›

The reason the NCAA doesn't test for nicotine is because it is not on its list of banned substances, Wilfert said. "It is not included in the banned drug list, probably because the drug testing program is more about performance enhancement," Wilfert said.

Does the NCAA test for CBD? ›

Cannabinoids are banned by the NCAA and can result in suspension.

Can NCAA athletes smoke cigarettes? ›

Tobacco use in all forms is prohibited during practice and competition by student- athletes and game personnel, and may result in ejection from the game.

What is the penalty for failing a drug test in the NCAA? ›

Student-athletes lose one full year of eligibility for the first offense (25 percent of their total eligibility) and are withheld from competition for a full season. A second positive test for street drugs results in another lost year of eligibility and year withheld from competition.

Does the NCAA drug test incoming freshmen? ›

Incoming freshmen will not be drug tested during summer drug testing. Only returning student-athletes are subject to the summer drug-testing program. Will student-athletes need to sign a new summer drug-testing consent form?

Is creatine illegal in NCAA? ›

NCAA-banned substances* (e.g., stimulants, anabolic steroids, testosterone products, marijuana) and impermissible Nutritional Supplements that NCAA member institutions may not provide to student-athletes (e.g., creatine, amino acids, ginseng, most energy or stimulant drinks)].

How often do Division 1 athletes get drug tested? ›

Anywhere from 18 to 26 players on a football team will be tested each time. Both the teams and the players tested are selected at random. Each team is tested at least once a year. Some are tested more often.

Is caffeine banned by NCAA? ›

The NCAA is the only organization that restricts the amount of caffeine in an athlete's system by limiting urine concentrations to 15 ug/mL, which equates to ~500mg caffeine or ~6 to 8 cups of coffee 2 to 3 hours before an event.

Do NCAA Division 3 athletes get drug tested? ›

Drug testing in the NCAA began in 1986 when testing at championship events began, and it expanded to a year-round program in Divisions I and II in 1990. Today, 90 percent of Division I, 65 percent of Division II and 21 percent of Division III schools conduct their own drug-testing programs in addition to the NCAA's.

Can you fail an NCAA drug test for alcohol? ›

There are thousands of substances banned by the NCAA. A drug test does not test for every possible banned substance. The NCAA determines which substances are tested with each drug test. Alcohol is not a banned substance by the NCAA.

Does NCAA test for Adderall? ›

These stimulants are banned for use in NCAA competition for both performance and health reasons, and using them may result in a positive drug test and loss of eligibility, unless the student- athlete provides adequate documentation of a diagnostic evaluation for ADHD and appropriate monitoring of treatment.

Should college athletes be drug tested? ›

One of the biggest risks of drug use is addiction, which is a harsh price to pay for improved performance. If student athletes know the consequences of using drugs, then they'll be less tempted to resort to them. Drug testing student athletes is a useful preventative measure even after their season is over.

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