A Guide for Individuals Seeking Help with Drug Testing
Drug tests will affect career opportunities, relationships, and personal responsibilities. Whether it’s employment, legal, or personal health, one concern for many who have wrestled with substance use is passing a drug test. It is worth noting that preparation for a drug test isn’t actually a solution to the problem. The real way out is addressing the root causes for substance use and recovering from them.
If you find yourself facing an upcoming drug test, this guide will help you explore options while mentioning how important it is to have support given for lasting recovery.
How Important Is Understanding a Drug Test?
A drug test is primarily utilized as a tool in tracing the presence of substances within your system. The various drugs these tests can trace range from marijuana, cocaine, and opiates, among many others. It’s good to know what type of test one is going to face-be it urine, blood, saliva, or hair follicle tests-since each has its window of detection. Knowing how long substances remain in the system may make you do all sorts of informed decisions. Trying to “beat” a drug test is just a temporary fix, mainly because it doesn’t change the issue of substance use.
While many methods claim effectiveness, none can truthfully claim that this or that will surely get you through a drug test. This leaves the most feasible method as letting your body have enough time to work on natural detoxification, keeping yourself well hydrated, and refraining from using drugs in the first place.
How to Prepare for a Drug Test: Seven Things to Consider
The Detection Window
There is a detection window for each drug, which, itself depends on the nature of the test. For example, marijuana can stay in urine for up to 30 days in heavy users, while cocaine can only be detected for a few days. The first step toward preparing for any test, therefore, is to understand the timeline of the substances you have used. Be realistic about your chances based on when you last used and the type of drug test you will face.
Stop Using Immediately
This might go without saying, but the quicker you stop doing drugs and substances, the more favorable your test results will be. The longer you give your body to break down and clear drugs out of your system, the less likely it will turn up on a test. Even if your test is soon, abstinence now is still your best shot.
Hydration and Detoxification
It is one of the simplest methods in which the human body can detoxify itself. Plenty of water consumed by the body will easily enable it to pass out drugs through urine. Some people take preference for detox drinks that boast removing drugs from your system. In as much as that might be true, one must be entirely clearly notified that these are not guaranteed products and might work differently with different kinds of people.
Exercise and Healthy Living
Exercise will generally speed up the metabolic process within your body, which in turn will be helpful in processing drugs like THC stored in the body’s fat cells. If you work out regularly, eat healthy, and get a good amount of sleep, your detox might be sooner. On the other hand, extreme exercise will break down fat cells too close to the test date, which can release the same stored toxins at the same time, so you should avoid hard exercises one or two days prior to taking your test.
Beware of House Remedies
There are lots of rumors on the internet about how to pass a drug test using homemade remedies and “life hacks”; for example, drinking a lot of cranberry juice, vinegar, or niacin. Beware, because these usually do not have scientific support for their claims, and in any respect, might be dangerous. Trusting unverified solutions may lead to failure.
Relapse or Positive Outcomes Planning
If you have taken drugs in the past and you have a drug test coming up, it is always possible that this might turn out not to come up clean, despite doing your utmost. For this reason, mentally prepare for such an eventuality. Whether it involves speaking with an employer, lawyer, or close friend, openness is important. If necessary, emphasize inquiring after help.
Getting Help and Support
Long-term recovery is a solution, while passing a drug test is just a quick fix. If you’re concerned with how to pass a certain drug test, that’s probably the best omen it’s time to seek help from professionals. From rehabilitation centers, therapy, support groups, to online communities, much support is available. Simply treating the root of substance use would be a guarantee of a healthy and successful life without headache from drug tests.
Conclusion
Preparation for passing a drug test requires knowledge, planning, and a little bit of luck, but that is not the real problem to be solved. Knowing the detection window of every substance, stopping as early as possible, and concentrating on your health are some of the ways. However, if going through regular drug tests and dreading the results is the case, then it may be time to question getting help.
Remember, passing a drug test is but one step. Recovery can open the door to a much healthier and full-of-life journey. Do not hesitate to seek support if needed.
Reach Out Today, Passing A Drug Test Is Just The Start On The Road To Recovery.
If you or someone you know struggles with substance use and is looking for a way forward, don’t hesitate to seek out a therapist, counselor, or addiction professional like Brazos Recovery who can help you take that initial step toward recovery. Please share this post with others you feel might benefit from it. We can collectively help more people get the help they need.
Medically Reviewed: September 25, 2019
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.