What is the employers concern about the illicit drug use? Do they care if you use now or you had a history in the past? As we know, hair or nail testing can go back a long time, but if you stopped now and have been clean for a long time – why should they care about your past experiences? And what if you are taking prescription medications – do you really have to disclose it to your employer before getting ready to pass a drug test? Certain psychological disorders, e.g. depression, schizophrenia, and even alcoholism and drug addiction, are considered to be disabilities, so if your employer finds out that you are taking prescribed xanax, for instance, they might not hire you. However, back in 1990 ADA (American Disabilities Act) was endorsed for protection of disabled people in a workplace. This act makes it illegal to test for prescription drugs and nosing through your medical history – some information found can be used in discriminating against you. Also, if you are recovered or recovering drug addict or alcoholic, an employer does not have the right to access that information neither.

Going back to current and past use – the ADA makes a clear distinction what is past and what is present, and what is legal and what is not. Clearly, disability is represented by an illicit drug use in the past by a drug addict, or a current prescribed drug use under the supervision of a physician; current illicit drug use is not a disability and is not protected by the ADA, as well as casual illicit drug use in the past.

Weigh all the options, and make sure that you are ready for the drug test that might change your life – your career.