As many of you know, I was recently offered a job that I consider to be my "dream job." However, that offer was pending a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check. Initially, I wasn't concerned -- I do not take drugs and I have never been in trouble with the law. But, I found out today that the MRO (medical review officer) who examined my drug screen needs to speak with me. And, thus, I'm a bit panicked.
Before taking the drug screen, I asked my new employer if I needed to provide information of the prescription and non-prescription drugs I take. I was told to bring the prescription bottles to the collection site, but, once there, I was not asked about what medications I take and I was told that I didn't need to provide that information. Rather, they told me not to bring the bottles (which I brought anyway in case they were needed) and that if there was an issue with the screen, I would be contacted. Well, since the drug screen results are usually available within 24-48 hours, I became nervous after an entire week went by. I took the test last Monday afternoon and I was told on Friday that the results were not back yet. And, when I called today, my employer informed me that the medical review officer needed to contact me. That means I failed the drug screen. But, only because the drug screen must have picked up on the medications I take, as prescribed by my physician, on a daily basis.
The drug I think the screen tested positive for would be Valium. I didn't know that many companies now use a 10-screen test which tests for Benzodiazapines (of which Valium is one), but, apparently, they do. I also take Celexa, an anti-depressant, and Trazodone, for sleep. And, of course, I take a number of vitamins as well as Ibuprofen. But, aside from "experimenting" as a teenager some 10 years ago, I do not take any drugs. And, I'm not around others who do (although my mother's boyfriend does smoke a certain substance frequently without regard to other people -- but, I have not been around him recently (at least a month before the test) and certainly try to stay very far away from him if he is using drugs. But, even so, that shouldn't be an issue as I do not use any substance not prescribed to me. And, the last time I took a painkiller was mid-July following my wisdom teeth extraction (I took Vicodin).
So, what this all comes down to is that I'm afraid for nothing. If I'm asked for proof of my prescription drug usage (ie. the Valium), I can provide it either by the prescription number or contact via my pharmacy or physician. It is a current prescription and I actually take less than what is prescribed. So, why am I so scared? This is my "dream job" and I cannot lose it for something I didn't even do wrong. I know I'm overreacting and acting irrational (I've been angry, upset, and anxious all day), but I can't seem to help it. The company that does the medical review called this evening, but I had fallen asleep after working out and I missed the call (I'm in the EST and they are obviously PST since they called at 7:40pm and they closed at 5:00pm). I did return the call and left a message, but I won't hear from them until tomorrow. And, I'm just scared. I know I have nothing to worry about, but I just am panicked. I'm on edge and can use any and all reassurance you can offer.
Has anyone been through this experience recently? Am I worrying for nothing or do I really need to be concerned? Like I said, I never take drugs, but am on prescription medications. I'm a good person who deserves this job...why am I so afraid? Please, any support you can offer would be greatly appreciated. I know I'm going to have a hard time going to sleep tonight. I just want to get my start date and begin working already. So, experiences, support, reassurances, anything?
And, just as an aside, you can see now why my doctor prescribes the Valium
.
Before taking the drug screen, I asked my new employer if I needed to provide information of the prescription and non-prescription drugs I take. I was told to bring the prescription bottles to the collection site, but, once there, I was not asked about what medications I take and I was told that I didn't need to provide that information. Rather, they told me not to bring the bottles (which I brought anyway in case they were needed) and that if there was an issue with the screen, I would be contacted. Well, since the drug screen results are usually available within 24-48 hours, I became nervous after an entire week went by. I took the test last Monday afternoon and I was told on Friday that the results were not back yet. And, when I called today, my employer informed me that the medical review officer needed to contact me. That means I failed the drug screen. But, only because the drug screen must have picked up on the medications I take, as prescribed by my physician, on a daily basis.
The drug I think the screen tested positive for would be Valium. I didn't know that many companies now use a 10-screen test which tests for Benzodiazapines (of which Valium is one), but, apparently, they do. I also take Celexa, an anti-depressant, and Trazodone, for sleep. And, of course, I take a number of vitamins as well as Ibuprofen. But, aside from "experimenting" as a teenager some 10 years ago, I do not take any drugs. And, I'm not around others who do (although my mother's boyfriend does smoke a certain substance frequently without regard to other people -- but, I have not been around him recently (at least a month before the test) and certainly try to stay very far away from him if he is using drugs. But, even so, that shouldn't be an issue as I do not use any substance not prescribed to me. And, the last time I took a painkiller was mid-July following my wisdom teeth extraction (I took Vicodin).
So, what this all comes down to is that I'm afraid for nothing. If I'm asked for proof of my prescription drug usage (ie. the Valium), I can provide it either by the prescription number or contact via my pharmacy or physician. It is a current prescription and I actually take less than what is prescribed. So, why am I so scared? This is my "dream job" and I cannot lose it for something I didn't even do wrong. I know I'm overreacting and acting irrational (I've been angry, upset, and anxious all day), but I can't seem to help it. The company that does the medical review called this evening, but I had fallen asleep after working out and I missed the call (I'm in the EST and they are obviously PST since they called at 7:40pm and they closed at 5:00pm). I did return the call and left a message, but I won't hear from them until tomorrow. And, I'm just scared. I know I have nothing to worry about, but I just am panicked. I'm on edge and can use any and all reassurance you can offer.
Has anyone been through this experience recently? Am I worrying for nothing or do I really need to be concerned? Like I said, I never take drugs, but am on prescription medications. I'm a good person who deserves this job...why am I so afraid? Please, any support you can offer would be greatly appreciated. I know I'm going to have a hard time going to sleep tonight. I just want to get my start date and begin working already. So, experiences, support, reassurances, anything?
And, just as an aside, you can see now why my doctor prescribes the Valium