You might be reading this because you failed a drug test when you didn’t expect it. You’re probably freaking out right now, and with good reason. However, like most things in life, you can handle this with a little planning and a lot of effort. If you’re reading this because you failed a drug test, you most likely aren’t a bot (because who would test a bot?).
You know that you screwed up, and you probably failed the test because of it. So how do you handle the situation going forward? The answer isn’t as simple as you think, but there are ways to get through this with as little damage as possible. Read on for more information on how to handle a failed drug test.
Make a Plan
When you know that you need to pass a drug test, you’ll want to do whatever you can to stay clean. Here are some things that you can do to prepare for a failed drug test and keep you drug-free as long as possible:
- Stay Clean While You’re Waiting: If you’re planning on taking a drug test, it’s in your best interests to stay clean while you’re waiting for the test to come back. While you’re waiting, don’t keep any drugs in the house, don’t use, and don’t give them to anyone else. While you’re waiting, make a plan to stay clean and update your health plan about the failed drug test in case you have any dependents.
- Make a Plan for How You’ll Handle the Situation: You don’t want to handle the situation poorly, so you should make a plan for how you’ll handle it.
- Let Your Employer Know: If you’re currently working, you should let your employer know that you failed a drug test. Explain the situation, and let them know when they can expect the test results. Otherwise, they might call you in for a random drug test while you’re waiting to hear back from the lab.
- Stay in Contact with Your Medical Provider: If you’re on any prescribed medication, you should stay in contact with your medical provider. This way, they can keep an eye out for any side effects that medication might have and let you know if you should stop taking it.
Stay Calm
Believe it or not, staying calm can actually help you when you’re in this situation. You’ve screwed up and failed a drug test, but that doesn’t mean that you’re a failure as a person. You’re in this situation for a reason, and now you have to figure out what that reason is. Whether this is a wake-up call or you’re simply ready to move on, staying calm will help you get through this easier.
Know the Facts and Be Honest
Even if you’re freaking out right now, you should still know the facts and be honest with your doctor and employer. A failed drug test can be a wake-up call that you need to get clean. You might not realize it right now, but you’ve been putting yourself and others at risk by messing up. It’s probably best to just accept that and get clean.
If you’re in a position where you can’t keep your job while you’re getting clean, you should let your employer know. That way, you don’t have to worry about your job while you’re looking for a new one. Be honest with your doctor about your failed drug test, too. If there’s something that they can do to keep you safe, it’s worth mentioning.
Don’t Go Through With the Scam
The last thing that you want to do is go through with a scam that promises to get you off your drug test. Now, it’s possible that there is a way to get you off a drug test, but it would not be worth it. If you go through with the scam, you’re adding a level of damage to your failed drug test that you don’t need. There are legitimate ways to get yourself off a drug test, but none of them involve scams. The ones that do are often scams.
Knoxville Recovery Center Can Help
If you’ve failed a drug test, you need to handle the situation appropriately. This includes staying clean, staying calm, and knowing the facts, being honest, and not going through with a scam. Now, you might be reading this because you failed a drug test, and you might be freaking out. However, with a little planning and effort, you can get through this with as little damage as possible. This is a wake-up call, and you’re in this situation for a reason, so stay focused and stay clean.
If you or a loved one are currently struggling with substance abuse, help is available! We encourage you to reach out to the professionals at Knoxville Recovery Center to learn more about our personalized treatment programs and mental health services.
Knoxville Recovery Center was founded from firsthand experience of addiction and recovery, with a mission of providing a space where people can heal from addiction and other disorders in a compassionate, creative, open-minded, and heart-centered environment. We believe recovery is always possible. Our experts work with you to design a treatment plan that fits your needs. Common treatment programs include:
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
- On-site Detox
- Full-time Addiction Treatment on campus
- Mental Health Treatment
- Aftercare Services
Contact us today for more information about how our programs and services can help you get your life back on track. You no longer have to struggle with substance abuse on your own. We are here to help.
