Drug Testing

[Amish RakeFight]

What kind of drug testing is conducted during the interview process and while flying the line. From what I understand, the tests cost money and they may only target certain types of drugs.

What type of substances are usually being detected for?

Are all of the following or just the more illicit ones.
Alcohol
Marijuana
Cocaine
Prescription drugs
Valium
Xanax
Maintenance meds.
OTC meds.


Someone needs to know.:blush:


.

 

[John Pennekamp]

I gotta hand it to ya, that took balls to post!

 

[Amish RakeFight]

LOL.

Someone really needs to know what the "dilly-yo" is though..... They've taken some prescription meds that "may" not be on the FAA list. Wondering whether they look for the more common illicit drugs, rather than prescriptions.


I've got nothing to hide.:uzi:

 

[John Pennekamp]

My understanding is that random and pre-employment drug screening only looks for a short list of illegal narcotics, not prescription medication.

Post accident testing, on the other hand, looks for EVERYTHING.

 

[FN FAL]

Your "friend" needs to get his or her random drug screening scheduled before they go on vacation.

 

[wmudriver]

Check out the "Wizzinator". Its fully endorsed by Minnesota Viking's running back, Onterio Smith.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

Check out the "Wizzinator". Its fully endorsed by Minnesota Viking's running back, Onterio Smith.

Is that anything like a similar product called " Urine Luck."

 

[Amish RakeFight]

My understanding is that random and pre-employment drug screening only looks for a short list of illegal narcotics, not prescription medication.

Post accident testing, on the other hand, looks for EVERYTHING.

Thats what I thought. They just look for those hard illicit drugs, not the OTC or prescription stuff, like valium or percocet pills.

Anyone else have more knowledge on the subject as to what drugs are screened for during random and pre-employment testing?

 

[14RF SUX]

Percocet is an opiate, that will show up just like heroin does because it's an opiate too.

 

[SiuDude]

1. THC
2. Cocaine
3. Amphetamines
4. PCP
5. Opiates

Dat's it.

 

[rjacobs]

SIUDUDE is correct, just took one the other day. Asked the girl how long the wait was and she asked why, I need to start celebrating since I just got a new job. Her response-Ah, well you could go drink 20 beers and come in here and take the test since we dont test for alcohol.

 

[Moustache]

LOL.

Someone really needs to know what the "dilly-yo" is though..... They've taken some prescription meds that "may" not be on the FAA list. Wondering whether they look for the more common illicit drugs, rather than prescriptions.


I've got nothing to hide.:uzi:

Whatever, crankhead

 

[justthewife]

I'd be concerned about a drug screen checking not only for the expected illegal drugs, but for any prescription drug that is also a scheduled drug (scheduled just means they are regulated more carefully). For example, amphetamines (Ritalin, etc), pain medicines (Percocet, Vicodin, etc.), and even Valium and Xanax, which are benzodiazepenes and are commonly used/abused recreationally and known to be addictive. Actually, all of the scheduled drugs are "scheduled" because of their abuse/misuse potential. So, be careful with the Valium and Xanax, even if they are prescribed.

Other things like antidepressants, heartburn medicine, cholesterol medicine, etc., shouldn't be a problem for pre-employment. No one is going to look for things like that. Like someone said before, it's just AFTER an incident that those would be a problem.

Good luck...tell your friend to be mindful of a drug screen possibly looking for benzos -standard drug screens in the hospital ER always include this.

 

[dvmthwsvan]

Other things like antidepressants, heartburn medicine, cholesterol medicine, etc., shouldn't be a problem for pre-employment. No one is going to look for things like that. Like someone said before, it's just AFTER an incident that those would be a problem.

heartburn and cholesterol medicines are illegal?

 

[FirstMate]

heartburn and cholesterol medicines are illegal?

I would say no, but to be safe, I would at least have a prescription from your doctor or AME if you're not taking an over-the-counter. That way you're covered.

As for the 5 illicit drugs that they test for...they test for certain levels of each in your urine.

 

[No Delay]

anyone every heard of phentermine? (appetite suppressant)

Need to lose a few pounds and I have some friend who have been taking this. I know I couldn't take it on my work days...but was thinking about on my off days. But haven't done it yet because I have been worried about the random testing.

 

[DrunkIrishman]

Ever thought of asking a doctor instead of a pilot? What am I paying you people for, honestly, throw me a frickin' bone here!

 

[Brasilia Flyer]

anyone every heard of phentermine? (appetite suppressant)

Need to lose a few pounds and I have some friend who have been taking this. I know I couldn't take it on my work days...but was thinking about on my off days. But haven't done it yet because I have been worried about the random testing.

I'd certainly go with whatever advice you get on this board. I mean, its only your career you're dealing with.

 

[champ2kt]

So....I guess you could always go to any old DR. and have him do a full tox screen on your urine and see what you show. should cost about $200 but may well be worth it don't you say.

 

[No Delay]

I guess I should say it again...a little slower...

"But haven't done it yet because I have been worried about the random testing"

Of course, I am going to fully investigate this (which includes talking to my doctor) before I put my career on the line.

Was only asking...thinking someone on here my have already asked their doctor or had some experience with it.

 

[Mentor]

Eat a poppyseed bagel...you'll do fine.

 

[_BravoWhiskey_]

Phentermine is a derivative of amphetamines. It still has some stimulant and mood-altering properties. As such, I seriously doubt the FAA will approve it's use in any case.

Entering the realm of speculation: Now, if you chose to use it on your own, here is what I would consider: I am no expert and have no idea what system airlines use to test for drugs on a random basis. As phentermine is a stimulant, it is *possible* to show up positive for amphetamines on a random. Now, before people start screaming at me, I already said I know a whole lot of nothing about drug tests. The way I see it though, if you do pop positive, you will then have to admit using phentermine.. and then your troubles really begin. Essentially, you will have to admit taking a FAA prohibited drug, the use of which you did not put down on your medical application.... so, we have taking an unapproved drug, lying on your medical application. If you are taking the drug without a doctor following your progress, you have just earned yourself a "substance abuse" label.

Basically, my read on this is that it is not worth the risk. I would have to be sure, I mean 100% absolutely positive that it wouldn't show up on a screen... seeing as how a poppy seed muffin can ruin things for you... nope just not worth the risk.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

What if they find that you have high levels of testosterone?:smash:

 

[_BravoWhiskey_]

Lol, no more cycling for you!