[xRavenx]

Out of nowhere, my job would like to tack on extra responsibilities. In order for me to participate in this specialized training, they want me to do a drug screening, TB test, a physical, etc. I feel I spend enough time at doctors and work way too much, so this is causing me some anxiety. The main thing that triggered me: I thought about how I would likely test positive on a drug use, only because I am on benzodiazepines (but they are prescribed by a doctor). Not sure if they test for that.

I really don't want to disclose this and hope that they don't test for this in the first place, because I really don't want to show that I am under the care of a psychiatrist. I feel like all this stuff should be private. The training doesn't involve driving motor vehicles, so I find this all a little too intrusive. Has anyone else had to take a drug test, where you had a prescription for a controlled substance? Did you have to send in documentation from a doctor?

I think I am even more triggered now then I would normally, because I keep getting hit with situations where I have to put all my personal business out there. I didn't expect this from work, and I was really angry this afternoon.

What should I do in this situation, so I can maintain privacy, but still be in compliance?

[SorryShaped]

Take all your prescriptions with you when you go for the test. They'll write them down, then any of those meds just get marked off automatically and your boss never sees them. HIPPA sometimes is a good thing.

[xRavenx]

Originally Posted by SorryShaped

Take all your prescriptions with you when you go for the test. They'll write them down, then any of those meds just get marked off automatically and your boss never sees them. HIPPA sometimes is a good thing.

Thanks, this makes me feel more at ease.

[tsrc78]

Goodness, I really hope you feel like you can handle the extra responsibilities at work. It’s annoying to have more responsibilities added to you, but I do hope it is something you will enjoy.

I agree to definitely take all your prescriptions with you, so they know exactly what you are prescribed to take. Because they could test for benzodiazepines, it’s hard to know, but if they know they are legally prescribed, they know to expect them in your system. All your employer needs to know is whether you “passed” or “failed” your drug screening, make sure you tell them this is all you want known. But you should be fine.

[Wild Coyote]

This definitely can feel intrusive and even "parental," kind of reminiscent of a different recently triggering situation for you.


WC

[SorryShaped]

I forgot to mention. Take in all over the counter meds and supplements you use too. Some of those will throw a drug screening all kinds of funky

I agree with SorryShaped that no one will find out, but I do think drug testing in general is nerve-wracking even when you're not taking illicit drugs.

I worked for a government contractor and had to do a drug screening. Government job drug screening makes sense, I guess, but for most other jobs? It just seems overkill and possibly an overreaction to something.

Personally, I wouldn't give a f_ck if someone does pot, as long as they don't show up high to work and as long as they act like a professional adult. (I'm not saying you do pot, but that's my general belief. And I feel the same way about people who are prescribed meds.)

[Northchild]

Remember to ask for more money. Mo' responsibilities, mo' money.

[xRavenx]

Originally Posted by Northchild

Remember to ask for more money. Mo' responsibilities, mo' money.

Very true....I had to really fight for them to give me a raise last year. They never give raises. I'm going to have to really push for them to give me one, if they ever agree to that. Some people haven't had a raise for years, but if I fight long enough, maybe they will. It'll probably take forever for them to give me one, but it's always worth asking.

[xRavenx]

Originally Posted by Wild Coyote

This definitely can feel intrusive and even "parental," kind of reminiscent of a different recently triggering situation for you.


WC

Exactly! Thank you. It's really hard when several intrusive situations hit you all at once. It makes me really angry....the situation, plus stress from work in general. The past couple of days I've been trying to distract myself to avoid all of the anger from building up. Thank goodness the weekend is coming. I just have to work 5 hours tomorrow, then I have a few days off. I desperately need a break.

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by xRavenx

Out of nowhere, my job would like to tack on extra responsibilities. In order for me to participate in this specialized training, they want me to do a drug screening, TB test, a physical, etc. I feel I spend enough time at doctors and work way too much, so this is causing me some anxiety. The main thing that triggered me: I thought about how I would likely test positive on a drug use, only because I am on benzodiazepines (but they are prescribed by a doctor). Not sure if they test for that.

I really don't want to disclose this and hope that they don't test for this in the first place, because I really don't want to show that I am under the care of a psychiatrist. I feel like all this stuff should be private. The training doesn't involve driving motor vehicles, so I find this all a little too intrusive. Has anyone else had to take a drug test, where you had a prescription for a controlled substance? Did you have to send in documentation from a doctor?

I think I am even more triggered now then I would normally, because I keep getting hit with situations where I have to put all my personal business out there. I didn't expect this from work, and I was really angry this afternoon.

What should I do in this situation, so I can maintain privacy, but still be in compliance?

Have you had your drug test yet?

I have very different advice.

My DH has random drug tests often for work. He takes clonazepam. He tells nothing. It never comes up in the testing. He says they are looking for narcotics and "illicit" drugs (ie: pot).

IF the testing ever switched and he was tagged as having a benzo in his urine, he would then offer to confirm the prescription to/with the 3rd party (the drug testing agency).

Until then, no info. is offered.

This is how we've handled this for the past 17 years. He has had to give up no information in response to a drug test result.


WC

[xRavenx]

Originally Posted by Wild Coyote

Have you had your drug test yet?

I have very different advice.

My DH has random drug tests often for work. He takes clonazepam. He tells nothing. It never comes up in the testing. He says they are looking for narcotics and "illicit" drugs (ie: pot).

IF the testing ever switched and he was tagged as having a benzo in his urine, he would then offer to confirm the prescription to/with the 3rd party (the drug testing agency).

Until then, no info. is offered.

This is how we've handled this for the past 17 years. He has had to give up no information in response to a drug test result.


WC

Thank you. I am not sure which drugs they are testing for. I did not have the drug test yet. They did not give me much detail yet, other than I should be notified within the next month of all the requirements. That is good that your husband did not have to give any information in response to drug tests.
I really hope it is that way for me. I am getting so tired of going to doctors and dealing with medical stuff. I was just at the doctor for an EKG, and I do know that in addition to the drug test, I will need TB shots, a new Physical, and probably some other stuff. It's hard enough for me to keep up with work, but during my time off having to go to more doctors just stresses me out.