Adderall and Employment Drug Tests | ADHD Information

The lab will ask you what prescription meds you're taking. It will show
up, but they will not tell your employer if what shows up is a prescription
medication that you are legitimately taking. You don't have to worry.I have a drug test coming up for a job, and I'm worried about my adderall showing up!  Does it?  Should I tell them?  I don't want to be judged for being on it, but I also don't want them to think that its something else.  What should I do?That's great to know Wordwoman... I had my first ever drug test for my new job in February. Going to the doc in my company's building for all the new stuff (Ritalin now)... wonder what *that* would do to the test now. ;_)

I had to take a drug test for a new job last month. I tested at Concentra. I'm currently taking Adderall and Lexapro. Concentra did not want any of my prescription information at the time of the test. I was told that the 'lab' would contact me if needed. A few days past, I receive a voicemail from the HR manager, telling me that I needed to call Concentra. I did and Concentra wanted to contact my pharmacy-I guess to confirm the legitimacy of the RX. I was hired, but my issue is: why didn't Concentra contact me directly and not involve the prospective new employer unless there WAS a problem!!

I'm very uncomfortable knowing that this HR person is aware that there was an issue. Did Concentra disclose to the new potential employee any information?? I just feel that one's medical history should be PRIVATE, unless it directly relates to a safety concern(operating equipment, driving company vehicles, etc).

It would take a medical emergency for me to disclose anything to an employer.

WW - very true what you say.  I guess I am a bit naive in that I want things to be the way they should be - rather than believe that some boss would remove a otherwise valuable employee because of a treatable disorder like ADHD.  I know you are right I'm just in denial.

I guess we should create a north-american wide organization to protect from such things - maybe set up a fund for those who do take the jump with honesty.  That would be something I would support!

Unless you are in an exceptional occupation (like being an airplane pilot),
if you are on a validly prescribed medication, your results will be reported
as "negative," same as if no drugs were found at all. You can learn more
about the process here:
www.health.org/
govpubs/workit/efs5.aspx

As far as disclosure goes, I don't think there's one rule that applies. It
depends on your boss and your corporate culture. Yes, there are
disability laws on the books. But if you disclose your disability, and then
you are fired, you will bear the burden of proof that the disability was the
direct reason. Most workers are employees "at will," meaning that an
employer can terminate you -- even if you are disabled -- for no reason
at all. And they will be smart enough to not say, "You have ADD and
because of that, you are fired!" Even if they do -- you will have to sue in
order to make things right. You might win -- or you might spend
thousands of dollars on your lawsuit, and lose. I wouldn't advise anybody
to lean too heavily on the notion that the law provides protection. US
employment law is stacked heavily in the favor of employers.

Absolutely make sure that the lab doing the tests knows that you are on prescription meds.  These days with amphetamine abuse so bad they would for sure red flag your sample!  Once you tell the lab - I don't know but think they might still bring up the fact you are on prescription meds to your boss.  You'll have to look at their disclosure policy - they should be obliged to give it to you - they might even give it to you when you sign whatever release they give you during the test.

I know everyone I chat with here is nervous about getting your job mixed up with your ADD.  I went to my manager as soon as I found out - and privately clued him in to what it is - how my work is affected and what they can do to help.  I treated it like a band aid - rip it off quickly versus either slowly, painfully getting it or just leaving it pretending like it's not there.

I think it's like other past problems that used to be stigmatized by society.  If this were diabetes and we tried to hide it from the boss - would that be the best way?  We have a valid, documented condition that does make our lives different than other peoples.  We need sometimes to deal differently with things like work and home and I think the more the employer knows, the better off we all are.

Maybe I'm naive - maybe telling our bosses is just asking for trouble.  But I don't know - we now have mental health codes in most federal courts that prohibits any discrimination based on such facts.  I feel shielded and safe talking - and got a very good result from the discussion.

What does everyone think?  Which way is best - keeping ADD out of the workplace where possible - or full disclosure as soon as it's found???

Maybe a survey??