Are You Ready for That Job Interview? And The Drug Test That Comes With It?

 

When you are preparing for a job interview, you are probably making sure that your interview outfit is clean and ironed, you have work samples ready, your licenses or certificates are in order, and you have your resume handy.  You get yourself psyched up to answer questions and present yourself in the best possible light. You hope you’re ready for anything that they throw at you. Will you be ready if you are sent into the next room to provide a urine, hair, finger/toenail or oral fluid sample for a drug test? If you are looking for a job, it’s more and more likely that you will be asked to provide a sample. Clearly, now is the time to “Say No to Drugs!”

You may be thinking: “It doesn’t matter what I do on my own time. If they do a drug test I’ll have time to get clean if I get an interview.”  While this may have been the case in the past, it is no longer a safe excuse to keep using and hope that a few days is enough to clean up your act. While the urine drug screen is still the most common type of sample used for pre-employment and random drug testing, there are alternative specimens that can be used to detect drug use for months prior to the test.  It’s important to be aware of these drug and alcohol testing technologies so that you aren’t caught off-guard and denied the perfect job based on a positive drug test.

Drug testing technology has advanced dramatically since the tests were first instituted in some industries in the late 1980’s.  Standard urine tests can detect drug use on average within a one to three day window; and an oral fluid swab detects drug use within an even shorter period, only 2 to 24 hours.  Hair follicle, and finger or toenail drug tests are able to detect drug use for 3 to 6 months, depending on the drug andavailabilityof a sufficient amount of the specimen to be collected.  If you don’t know the test is coming, there is no way to prevent a positive test if you are a consistent, recreational drug user.

Hair and finger/toenail samples are very difficult to adulterate and very easy for the test collector to observe. The window of detection varies based on multiple factors, including frequency of use, concentration of the drug ingested, type of drug or drugs used, and even a person’s metabolism. What this all boils down to is that if you are job-hunting, you need to be prepared to take a drug test. Many prescription medications such as sedatives, opiates, and mood stabilizers can cause a positive test result.  In these instances, be prepared to provide a copy of your prescription to the Medical Review Officer (MRO).   If you don’t have a verifiable prescription for medication, just don’t take it.  In some states, although marijuana may have become legal for medical use, this does not guarantee that the company will hire you. Even if you have a valid prescription, marijuana use may go against their hiring or drug-free workplace policy.

Employers are increasingly testing prospective employees to comply with drug-free workplace mandates.  Some industries, for example, those that hire drivers, pilots or heavy machinery operators, are required to conduct drug testing on candidates and random testing on employees due to government regulations.  Other employers just want to prevent problems on the job that can lead to injury or liability.  And, employers have the right to conduct drug testing regardless of the type of work or environment. As long as they test everyone, drug testing is not considered a discriminatory hiring practice.

If you’re gearing up for a job search, get clean now and be sure that you put your best foot (and hair, fingernail and toenail!) forward.

Parents, Do You And Your Teen Know The Dangers and Relationship Between Prescription Painkillers and Heroin Abuse?

As a parent, it is incredible to sit back and think how far the world of medicine has come since you were a child. Thanks to the speed of technology and growing medical research, it seems like there is a medicine for everything nowadays. While we can be thankful for the advancements that have been made, it is important as parents that we make sure our children are aware of the pros and cons associated with medicine… in particular, prescription drugs.

Did you know that heroin abuse is closely linked to prior use of prescribed painkillers? Also referred to asopioiddrugs, painkillers have an agent in theirmake-upthat has a tendency to induce tolerance in the person taking the drug. Because of this, a person taking a prescribed painkiller will over time begin to feel like the drug is not responding as strongly as it once did. They then become dependent and begin to experience severe withdrawal symptoms. This series of events causes the person to start desiring a stronger, more addictive drug leading them to heroin use. Why heroin, you ask? Heroin is much like a painkiller in that it provides the same satisfying effects, yet it is cheaper than prescribed painkillers and mainly sold on public streets making it easier to obtain. However, what makes heroin different from painkillers is that it is extremely addictive and has a high likelihood of overdose; making it one of the most dangerous drugs out there today.

Take a look at this interactive tool the Medicine Abuse Project designed to help illustrate how a young person after surgery is prescribed a painkiller by her doctor and how a harmless situation like that can translate into an addiction to heroin. Now you can understand that it is no wonder reports are showing that nearly half of all young people who are using heroin today started off by using prescription painkillers.

So the question is, what can you do as a parent? The most important thing to do first is to have an open conversation with your teens about proper use of medicine and the risk of abusing prescription drugs. Take a minute to look through the medicine cabinet or drawer in your house and dispose properly of any unused medicines. Safeguard the prescriptions you do use by keeping them in a secure place. If you think your child may have dependenceon a medicine, call the Parents Toll Free Helpline and contact your doctor immediately. For more information regarding prescription drug abuse and how to keep your family safe, visit the Medicine Abuse Project’s website, a campaign catered to providing resourcesto parents and young adults focused on preventing millions of teens from becoming subject to drug abuse.

As a supportive partner withthe Medicine Abuse Project, Any Lab Test Now® is committed to providing you with preventative resources and quality testing toyou and your family. Contact your local Any Lab Test Now® today to learn more about our involvement with the Medicine Abuse Project and the services we can provide to help you and your teens when it comes to safe drug use.

National Drug Facts Week 2015: Shatter the Myths!

 

 

Monitoring the Future Study is an annual survey conducted by the National Institute of Drug Abuse as an effort to shed light on the average American teen’s attitude towards drugs and tobacco use. Out of the 40,000 teens who participate every year, almost a third of high school seniors admit to having used an illicit drug at some point in the past year. Over 10% report to nonmedical use of prescription painkillers and more than 20% claim to have smoked marijuana at least once during a given month’s time. Numbers like these prove that teenagers need to be receiving a better education on the dangers associated with drug use and substance addiction.

The National Institute of Drug Abuse noticed this need and have worked to meet it by sponsoring the National Drug Facts Week. First launched in 2010, this week has served as a chance to crush the myths about drug abuse and addiction that so many teens develop through the things they hear on TV, in movies, music on the Internet or from friends. This year, National Drug Facts Week will be recognized the week of Jan. 26th through February 1st. Throughout these days, organizations across the country (including hospitals, schools, sports clubs, etc.) will be hosting events where teens can come with their questions on drug use and have them answered by professional addiction scientists and highly educated health experts.

Want to get involved? Visit the NDFW website to see what events will be taking place in your community and test your knowledge about drugs by taking the National Drug IQ Challenge. For questions regarding teen drug abuse, substance addiction, or teen drug testing, contact us at Any Lab Test Now® today.

National Red Ribbon Week: Steps for a Parent

Currently, the United States represents 5% of the world’s population and 75% of prescription drugs taken. 60% of teens who abuse prescription drugs get them free from friends and relatives. When you meditate on those numbers, it is obvious to conclude that youth drug abuse is a serious problem in our society today and one that will only gain momentum as the access to these drugs becomes easier for our children to obtain.

Although the answer to ending youth drug abuse is not a simple solution, parents can begin doing what they can to solve the issue by taking actions in their own home. The very first action step parents can take is to talk to their kids about drug use.  Explain to them the risks associated with drug abuse and misuse. It is said that children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t. Yet, only a quarter of teens report to having these conversations. Check out the Medicine Abuse Project for more insight.

Secondly, lock up both your prescription and over-the-counter medications.  Easy access makes for easy misuse and abuse.

This week, October 23rd-31st, Any Lab Test Now® is joining in support of the 2014 National Red Ribbon Week.  Formerly known as the National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth, National Family Partnership established Red Ribbon Week to help raise awareness on drug prevention among the nation’s youth. Communities across the country use this week to educate their youth on the dangers of drug use and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.

We encourage all parents to join in their communities effort and help support this cause.  If you are a parent and would like to begin taking the first action steps in your home, sign the Red Ribbon Pledge now. Like we said, it’s not a quick fix, but setting the stage in your home is the best thing you can do for your children and the nation’s.

Let’s Talk About Medicine

October is being recognized amongst the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) as “Talk About Your Medicines” month.  As the first ever direct access lab testing services company, we strongly believe in the importance of patient education on medicine. Knowing the risks and benefits associated with the medicines you are taking allows you to understand exactly what you are putting into your body, determine what dosage is right for you and ultimately empower you to truly take control of your health.

Time and time again, patients and especially teenagers, hold a belief that if a doctor prescribes a drug or medication it must be safe – even if not prescribed for that person. This common overlook has, unfortunately, factored into this staggering statistic: 1 in 4 teens report to having misused or abused a prescription drug at least once in their lifetime.

The underlying question now is, “How can we prevent this from happening in the future? And in our child’s future?” For parents with teenagers, the conversation needs to start at home. Sadly, studies show that there is a general disconnect between teenagers and their parents on many topics, including medicine abuse. We challenge you to eliminate the disconnect now. By starting the discussion on medicine misuse and abuse at home, your children can begin to develop a clear understanding of the dangers associated with each. Thus, preparing them to appropriately handle any interaction with prescription drugs in the future that they may be involved in.

Do you need help talking to your teen? Start with the Partnership at Drugfree.Kids’ Parent Toolkit for assistance on how to have that hard conversation or call their Parents Toll-Free Helpline, 855-DRUGFREE. Our Trust, But Verify program can also help with any concerns you may face as a parent. As a local partner to The Medicine Abuse Project, we encourage you to learn more about what you can do in the fight to stop medicine misuse.

You Shouldn’t Drive Drunk or Drugged

National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Month

Impaired driving is extremely common around the holidays, which is why the Center for Disease Control (CDC) chose December to be National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month or 3D Month.

Join ANY LAB TEST NOW® as we encourage our community to become aware of all the harm drunk and drugged driving can cause. It becomes more than just a way to get home from a long night out; people lose lives, become seriously injured, their families change forever and a lifetime of guilt can occur for those who choose to drive under the influence.

Did you know that young people, motorcyclists and drivers with prior impaired driving convictions are the most at risk? Learn more FAQ’s and statistics from the CDC.

We offer a plethora of short-term and long-term drug and alcohol related tests, available for you to see here. Designate a sober driver if you plan on celebrating the holidays. You’ll get home safely and so will the rest of the road.

Joining a Cause: Celebrating Red Ribbon Week ®!

To be the parent of a teenager is to worry constantly. Your child is at a stage of his/her life when they are too old for kiddy things and too young for real adult situations. If you feel like you are constantly confused as to what your teen is going through, imagine how your teen feels.

Being a teen these days is nothing like it was 10 or even 5 years ago.  The peer pressure you survived during your teen years cannot begin to compare to the amount of peer pressure teens face today. Not only do they go through what are considered “old school” types of peer pressure, but throw the increased popularity of social media platforms and cyber-bullying as well as the rising issue of prescription abuse in the mix and your teen will need a lot of help with saying NO to drugs.

As the parent of a teen if you have asked yourself, “What can I do to help my child?” “How do I give my teen the proper tools to stand up to today’s peer pressures?” you’re definitely not alone. That’s where organizations such as The Partnership at Drugfree.org, the National Family Partnership (organizers of Red Ribbon Week®) and ANY LAB TEST NOW® come in. Each of these have vast information to help parents get informed about the latest drug and alcohol abuse within today’s youth and how to have that open conversation with your teen about the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse.

According to the National Family Partnership, children of parents who talk to their teens on a regular basis about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs. Red Ribbon Week ®  (October 23 – 31) is the perfect time to openly speak to your teens about the dangers of drug use. ANY LAB TEST NOW® has a program specifically designed to help parents arm their teens with the tools to overcome peer pressure. The Trust, But Verify Program combines trust-building with random teen drug testing.

Since prescription medications are the fastest growing type of abused drug among teens, ANY LAB TEST NOW® has joined forces with The Partnership at Drugfree.org in a strategic partnership for the Medicine Abuse Project.  ANY LAB TEST NOW® ‘s Trust, But Verify program can help parents bring across the point that drug testing your teen is not to catch them using drugs, but to deter them from using drugs. To let them know that this is your way of helping them with peer pressure. This way they can let their friends know that they get drug tested at home… so “NO”… they can’t try it just this once.

As Red Ribbon Week ®  draws to a close talk to your teen and join the cause to help today’s youth say “A Healthy Me, is Drug Free!” To learn more about how ANY LAB TEST NOW® can help you and your teen establish a plan to stand up to peer pressure, stop by a location near you or visit www.anylabtestnow.com

Allied Health Back-to-School Healthy Checklist

With the new school year around the corner the excitement of back to school shopping is here again; these days back-to-school shopping as it relates to college or technical school takes more than a new wardrobe and new supplies. Now students also need to shop for a place to get immunization confirmations along with other lab tests just to be able to enroll.  Or, you can track down that pediatrician you saw 16 – 18 years ago and see if they can pull your records quickly….

Required tests for freshman college enrollment or for healthcare professional students can include but are not limited to MMR Titers (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) and/or Varicella Titer (Chickenpox).  Some schools might require students to be tested for Hepatitis A, B and/or C; or obtain a TB screen, drug test or flu shot.  And you just thought you were finished with school shopping!

With everything on your to-do list for back-to-school, wouldn’t it be nice if there was a place where you can have all the necessary lab tests done at an affordable price and that didn’t require too much of your time? ANY LAB TEST NOW® is an affordable option for back-to-school lab testing, for both incoming college students and allied health students. Working within the student’s budget while offering fast and convenient lab tests, especially if you just found out about a last-minute requirement, is important. Whether you need confirmation of immunization through titers testing, hepatitis tests, a flu shot or a drug test, ANY LAB TEST NOW® makes it fast, easy and as painless as possible.

You have too much to do to get ready for school and ANY LAB TEST NOW® can help you Take Control of Your Health® and get ready for school with something as simple as making an appointment. For more information about our allied health lab testing services visit an ANY LAB TEST NOW® near you or www.anylabtestnow.com.

Teen Drug Abuse: A Rising Epidemic

Today’s teens are bombarded with a great number of illegal and legal drugs that have been dubbed the next new thing to take them to ‘cool’ status amongst their peers. Many times as a parent you believe that your teen will never fall into the habit of doing drugs because you have taught them better than that. But do you know what they do when you’re not around? What about prescription drugs? Do you know if some are missing from your medicine cabinet?

Most of the time your child does respect the values you have taught them, however the power of peer pressure can make your teen throw those out the window and give in. With the new trend of abusing prescription drugs, teen drug abuse has taken a whole new life form. Many teens believe that if the drug has been prescribed then it is not dangerous. They also think that abusing them is safer than abusing illicit drugs.

Teen drug abuse has become a rising epidemic and as a parent there are many things you can do to help your teen not become a statistic. Keeping the lines of communication open with your teen is key, be honest with your teens and have an informed discussion about the pathway drug use can lead to. Don’t confuse your teen’s intelligence with maturity.  Your child is smart, however he/she may not be mature enough to have good judgment about drugs and their consequences.

Knowing that teen drug abuse has steadily risen in the past few years, parents are in a constant state of worry. ANY LAB TEST NOW® can help relieve some of your worry with our Trust, But Verify program. Drug testing your teen is not about invading their privacy or accusing them, it’s about protecting their life and their future.  As their parent, you are establishing a partnership that focuses on standing up against peer pressure by arming them with the greatest shield. Our drug tests are discreet and confidential.

To help educate parents and teens on prescription drug abuse ANY LAB TEST NOW® has joined forces with The Partnership at Drugfree.org in spreading awareness with The Medicine Abuse Project. To find out more about our Trust, But Verify program stop by an ANY LAB TEST NOW® near you or visit www.anylabtestnow.com

Sports & Adderall Abuse

In the world of sports, an athlete deals with a number of pressures besides winning or losing the game. Not only does the athlete have to make sure that he or she is in optimal physical condition in order to perform, but they also feel the pressure from teammates and the expectations of those who follow them. In a day and age when there seems to be a medicine available for just about everything, it is not surprising that people, including athletes, start experimenting and discovering alternative uses for such prescriptions.

An example of this is the infamous prescription drug, Adderall. Known as the “study drug”, for those who actually need it the drug becomes a medicine that helps them focus on the task at hand. For those who don’t need it, the drug becomes a powerful stimulant that can be used as a performance enhancer or a pick-me-up.

Since studies have shown that the drug improves hand–eye coordination, strength and acceleration, there’s no surprise as to why this specific drug has gained popularity amongst athletes.  To an athlete, Adderall gives them an edge with an energy boost in order to “rock” the game and go for the big win. The drug itself has become so popular in the world of sports that even national leagues like the NFL and the MLB as well as the NCAA have been forced to take action against those who test positive for the drug and have not been prescribed by a physician, resulting in a number of suspensions.

On many occasions, whether it be the desire to hang onto one’s youth or the constant pressure of needing to stay on top of your game, these athletes forget about the long-term side effects that a drug like Adderall could have on their health especially in those who don’t really need this prescription. The long-term side effects include risk of cardiovascular problems and stroke, depression, hostility and paranoia. Since May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, why not take the opportunity to help your athlete Take Control of Their Health and take a peek at their current state of health. ANY LAB TEST NOW® understands that achieving peak performance and optimal results takes more than just physical fitness. It’s a matter of getting the inside facts about your body’s true state of health.  In addition ANY LAB TEST NOW® can be your partner in making sure your athlete stays in tip-top shape without any enhancers through one of our many drug testing options.

During National Physical Fitness and Sports Month Take Control of Your Health® and your athletic career; whether you are an athlete or you manage one, having the opportunity to know what’s going on inside your body, empowers you to Take Control of Your Health® with a well-rounded, drug free, comprehensive health and wellness approach.  For more information visit www.anylabtestnow.com or stop by an ANY LAB TEST NOW® near you. Also, take the time to learn more about The Partnership at Drugfree.org’s Medicine Abuse Project, and help stop the abuse of prescription medications.