Not all substances are alike. Not only they have different characteristics, but also give unlike results during a drug testing.

-          Hi there! How much do you know about drug testing? I need to discuss something serious, and need a professional opinion. Some time ago I got laid off and eventually started looking for a job. Just recently I have found out that most companies do a pre-employment drug testing, and started to get ready for it. I quit smoking, but was still taking my prescription pills. I did not smoke any weed for about a month, and figured I was good to go. So anyway, I finally got an offer and went for a urine drug test. They asked me if I was taking any prescription drugs and if yes – asked for a copy of doctor’s prescription. I did not think I would need that, so I did not have it, so I said that I am not taking anything. I knew that they would find xanax in my system, and did not think they would call me back, but they did! I was very surprised, but confused – I should have failed the urine drug test since I was still taking the pills. So, can you explain to me what happened?

-          In most pre-employment drug tests they only check for most common substances, like marijuana, cocaine, opiates, methamphetamines. Those tests are pretty simple and relatively inexpensive. To check for benzodiazepine – xanax – they would need a different test, so it looks like you just got lucky.

-          Oh, thank goodness! That explains it! Thank you very much!