I am taking a drug test this coming Tuesday - 2 days. I quit smoking pot about a week ago and have purchased a couple of detox product (7 day prep kit and then a "kit: for the day of the test. My research indicates that it should work and it seems like it is the best I can do.The other issue is benzos. I have an Rx for 2.5mg ativan and 15mg (1 1/2 tabs) of ambien. I frequently abuse the ativan level (and have access to valium - no Rx) (usually 4-5 mg, sometime up to about 8mg). I consider a 10mg valium equivalent a 1mg ativan. The abuse started when I lost my job and now I NEED work, so please no lectures, let's just pass the drug test. As you know I can't just stop the benzos (like the pot) without medical supervision. I have and can cut down some, but I will have to take some ativan on the day of the test to relax and orevent withdrawal problems. I have never had a seizure, but there is a first time for everything. I have been exercising like crazy (and saunas) and weigh 225 and am 6' 2". If (and they probably will) detect benzos in the urine, will the fact that I have an Rx mitigate the matter? I understand their are considerable ranges in the same benzo half-life (like 3 - 24 hrs for lorazepam) which makes it difficult for 'them' to get a handle on the level of benzos in the body and if their is abuse.Your thoughts please and thank you.
Optional Information: Person's Gender: Male Person's Age: 59 Already Tried: see question
Thank you for your question:A drug test with GC/MS confirmation (which is typical of pre-employment drug tests) can differentiate between the Ativan and the Valium.The detection period for Valium is generally in the 10 day range, although with chronic higher doses, it has been reported positive for up to 30 days.To be safe, you really would need to be Valium-free for at least 10 days (and the longer the better).
Thanks Doc - Would the detox cleanser (liquid - Terminader GOLD 60 20 oz) that I will take the morning of the test take care of the valium if all I take is ativan? Is there anything I can do to eliminate the valium?
I assume you would like an HONEST, scientifically valid answer....NO - there is absolutely NO evidence that this product or any othe product promoted for this purpose is going to remove the drugs form the system.Since the Ativan is prescirbed for you, this should not be a problem. HOWEVER for at LEAST 10 days before the test, you need to be off the Valium.Your best option may be to "come clean" with your personal physician to get a dose of Ativan that is adequate to allow you to fully detox off the Valium.
Appreciate your honesty, but the test is in 2 days. I have enough ativan to not need anymore valium. Does this invalidate your point? If so, it appears my only option is to delay my decision to both accept the job and take the test - if that's possible.
If the test is done within 10 days or less, the test would very likely detect the Valium, IF the test included testing for benzodiazepines.HOWEVER, the good news, most pre-employment drug tests including the DOT (truck drivers etc) and federal employee drug testing programs do NOT include testing for the bnezodiazepines.There is nothing you can do to remove the drugs faster. Your options; wait AT LEAST 10 days, OR take the test and hope that the odds are with you (that the test does not include testing for the benzodiazepiness).
Sorry - but one last question. My position would be Controller and I would report directly to CEO. Do you have a feel for if there is a drug test and would it include Benzos. I know the company conducts urine drug tests because I saw it on their financial statements, but of course I didn't ask what jobs they tested fir. Of all things, the company is a drug rehab hospital and I would be in administration not near the hospital or drugs. Thanks for your answers and yes your honesty is appreciated.
In my experience, MOST employers do NOT include the benzodiazepines in urine drug tests. The fact that you are not in a "safety sensitive" positive (crane operator, heavy equipment operator, airline pilot etc), this is even less likely.The longer that you can delay the test, the better. 2 days is better than same day as the last dose, 4 or 5 days is better than 2 days, 10 days if better than 4-5 days.....A little "foot dragging" may allow you to pass even if the test was to include benzodiazpines testing.
Experience: Medical Review Officer - Physician Trained and certified in drug test interpretation