Last updated : November 11, 2024
As many companies nowadays ask employees to take a drug test to be sure their business is a drug-free workplace, people often want to know what drugs are most commonly tested for in a typical drug test?
Some drugs tested for are probably what you might expect—alcohol and marijuana, for instance—while others may not only be unexpected, many people have probably never heard of them.
In a drug test, however, here are the drugs most likely to be tested for.
Alcohol
Employers want to be sure their employees are not ‘under the influence’ so their performance is not impaired.
Barbiturate
While only a few barbiturates remain in medical use today, some people do abuse them. They are used as anti-depressants, sedatives and anticonvulsants, among other uses. They can cause serious consequences in a work environment, including poor concentration, breathing problems, coma and death.
Benzodiazepine
A class of drugs that affect the central nervous system, benzodiazepines can cause serious issues such as amnesia and hostility if used in the wrong way.
Cocaine
While cocaine can cause feelings of euphoria and competence, once the effects wear off in as little as an hour, anxiety, fatigue and agitation are common side-effects.
Hydrocodone
Prescribed as a pain killer, if abused Hydrocodone’s side-effects include vomiting, severe pain, anxiety and lethargy.
Marijuana
Loss of short-term and working memory are common with abuse, as is lack of concentration.
Methadone
Used as a painkiller and as a treatment in opiate addiction, Methadone abuse can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness and weakness.
Methaqualone
While Methaqualone can cause feelings of euphoria, abuse of the drug can lead to convulsions, coma and death.
Opiates
Opiates include drugs such as heroine and morphine, and while they can be used as a powerful painkiller, they can become addictive if used over a long period of time.
Oxycodone
Similar to morphine, Oxycodone can be used as an anti-depressant, but abuse can lead to addiction. If taken with alcohol, use of the drug can be life threatening.
Propoxyphene
Pain relief and as a way to halt diarrhea are just two reasons why Propoxyphene is prescribed. Severe withdrawal symptoms can occur in anyone attempting to stop using the drug, as well as anxiety and depression.
Phencyclidine (PCP)
An hallucinogenic, Phencyclidine or PCP can cause hallucinations, paranoia and mood swings.
Syntetics
Also known as K2 or Spice, it is a synthetic cannabis that is relatively new on the market. It is hypothesized, however, the drug may cause psychotic episodes and agitation.
