December 27, 2022Tyler Collins
For a lot of people, the idea of taking a drug test is pretty terrifying. What will the test show? Will you be able to pass it? Does Xanax show up on a pre-employment drug test? And if so, will it prevent you from getting the job?
If you’re currently taking Xanax or have taken it in the past, there’s a good chance that your test results will come back positive. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about pre employment drug tests and Xanax. Keep reading to learn more.
What is a Pre-Employment Drug Test?
A pre-employment drug test is a screening method used by employers to identify prospective employees who use drugs. The test is usually done as part of the job application process.
Employers may require applicants to take a urine test, hair follicle test, or blood test. The urine test is the most common type of drug test used during pre-employment screening because it’s also the least intrusive.
Testing the urine detects the presence of drugs in your system. Depending on the type of drug test requested by the employer, it can also detect traces of drugs used in the past few days or even weeks. The more comprehensive the drug test, the more likely it will detect drugs like Xanax.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam – a type of drug that is often prescribed for GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) and panic disorders. Xanax falls under the class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which work by slowing down the central nervous system.
With millions of people struggling with anxiety, Xanax has been one of the go-to medications for treating the disorder. However, many people use Xanax as a recreational drug. It is highly addictive and can be dangerous when abused.
Will Xanax Show Up on a Pre-Employment Drug Test?
Yes, Xanax can show up on a pre-employment drug test depending on the type of drug test your employer is using. Benzodiazepines like Xanax are not included in the 5-panel test, but they are included in the 8-panel and 10-panel tests. So if your employer requests an 8-panel or 10-panel drug test, then Xanax will show up on the test.
You may be wondering what types of drugs are tested in a 5-panel test. At a bare minimum, the SAMHSA guidelines require drug tests to check for five illegal drugs. These drugs include the following:
- Opiates (codeine, heroin, opium, morphine)
- Amphetamines (speed, meth, crank, ecstasy)
- THC (marijuana, cannabinoids, hash)
- Cocaine (coke, crack)
- Phencyclidine ( angel dust, PCP)
The 8-Panel Test is more extensive than the 5-Panel Test because it includes testing for the following drug classifications:
- Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Librium, Valium)
- Barbiturates (butalbital, phenobarbital, downers, secobarbital)
- Methaqualone (Quaaludes)
The 10-Panel Test is an extension of the 8-Panel Test that includes:
- Methadone
- Propoxyphene
How Long Can a Drug Test Detect Xanax in Your System?
Depending on the method of testing, the duration that Xanax can be detected in your system will vary. If you have undergone a urine test, then the drug should be detectable for up to 7 days after the last use.
If you have undertaken a blood test, then the drug should be detectable for up to 6 days after the last use. A saliva test can detect Xanax up to 2 days after last use.
If you have undergone a hair follicle test, then the drug can be detected from one month up to 90 days after the last use. However, this type of testing is not commonly used in pre-employment screening and is usually reserved for more comprehensive
- Urine test: 5 to 7 days
- Blood test: 1 to 6 days
- Saliva test: up to 2.5 days
- Hair test: up to 90 days
What Happens If Xanax Shows Up on a Drug Test?
Before undergoing a pre-employment drug test, it may not be possible to learn exactly what kind of drug testing will be administered. It can be awkward and unprofessional to ask an employer whether they will do a 5-panel or 10-panel test during the interview.
So what happens if you take an 8-panel pre-employment drug test and then show up with traces of Xanax in your system?
Just because Xanax shows up on a pre-employment drug test doesn’t mean you will automatically be disqualified from the job. If your results come back positive for Xanax, you may be asked to explain the results or be ineligible for the job.
Employers usually consider several factors before making a decision, such as the type of job you’re applying for and your overall health history. If you have a valid prescription and an explanation of your medical history, then there may still be a chance that you can pass this test.
However, if you cannot provide such evidence, it can put you in a difficult situation. Depending on the employer’s policy, the nature of the job, and how strict they are about hiring people with substance abuse issues, you may be disqualified from the job.
How to Flush Out Xanax From Your System
If you are concerned that Xanax will show up on a drug test, you may be wondering how to get rid of traces from your system. But since this is a highly addictive benzodiazepine medication, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any action. Quitting cold turkey on your own may not be the safest option.
The best approach is to reach out to a professional addiction treatment and detox in Anaheim, California. The Lighthouse Treatment Center offers a comprehensive detox program, including evidenced-based therapies, to help you safely recover from Xanax addiction.
