Nice, right – you’ve come to the edge of your dream job feeling both butterflies and moths in your stomach. Then the interviewer casually throws out, “After this, we just need you to take a drug test.” All of a sudden Rita Hayworth is bouncing all over your head. “Wait, do they test for caffeine?. Asking for a friend!” It’s like a surprise in a box of Cracker Jacks, these drug test seem to fall out at the most unexpected times.
Opinions on drug tests vary amongst people. Some believe they’re an unnecessary infringement, while others look at them as a safeguard. They pop up in the job fairs, in certain sports, some schools, in rehab, and even on reality TV. Now that’s what you call true-to-life character sketches!
Drug Testing isn’t just like any regular old lab analysis. The forensic technology is around the use of urine, hair, saliva, and blood -not items in a witches’ charm. Wonder why urine always gets a mention at a party? It has no reservations, unlike the others. Leader of the pack, urine told secrets on everyone. Hair is known to keep stories about us from months ago. Isn’t that fascinating and a little scary?
But the tests themselves aren’t perfect. They definitely come with some caveats. False positives do occur, causing talking points like pineapple on pizza discussions. It’s a good day, right up until you find out your everyday poppy seeds or Tylenol might make things go pear shaped. And there are some substances so elusive, they manage to dodge our sensors completely.
On the bright side, drug tests have become more user-friendly and speedier now –and hello home kits. Even then, mistakes happen. Like when Tom tried swapping his sample with his poor dog. Surprise: not a good idea.
Drug Testing isn’t necessarily the bad guys in this story. They have a critical part to play but need to be written more clearly and fairly in the script. Communication is key, striking balances between punishment and empathy. As we navigate the complicated waters of drug testing, we should also remember a little humor goes a long way through the entire ordeal. Perhaps even ask if coffee counts as an enhancing drug. You never know – it could lighten the mood!