Disqualifying Drugs • Prescription Drugs • Illegal Drugs • How Long They Last in Your System
Any type of recreational, non-prescription, or prescription drugs used by a commercial truck driver can significantly impact a driver’s coordination, judgement, focus, and reaction times.
The DOT states, “any driver that takes a controlled substance (and has a positive test result) that is included in 21 CFR 1308.11 (391.42(b)(12)), or any other habit-forming drug, is medically unqualified to drive”.
A positive test result included in the DOT Panel testing, or a prescription drug NOT prescribed by a physician, could result in a violation. Some drugs prescribed by a physician to treat medical conditions may also be disqualified in the DOT panel list.
This is because of their ability to impair reaction times, coordination, judgement, and the ability to focus. The DOT drug Test Panel mainly screens for the following substances:
- Marijuana (medical grade is unapproved)
- Codeine, Morphine, Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Heroin (Opioids)
- PCP
- Amphetamines
- Cocaine
Although some drug prescriptions are legal, such as Opioids, they are still disqualified by the DOT.
Use is prohibited unless the prescribing physician writes a letter to the medical examiner to clear a driver for duty. Even with a physician’s letter, it is the final decision of the medical examiner to approve or disprove clearance to drive.
Drivers using prescribed medications that are DOT-prohibited should speak to their doctor about DOT-permitted alternatives to treat their medical conditions before implementing new treatment, getting final approval through their DOT Medical Examiner.
Other types of drugs that are reviewed include:
- Anti-depressants (need a medical examiner’s approval)
- Lunesta or Ambien
- Anti-anxiety medications, such as Zoloft, Lexapro, Wellbutrin, and Trazadone (need a medical examiner’s approval)
- Muscle relaxers
- Smoking cessations, such as Chantix
- Adderall
- Phentermine
Edibles stay in your urine up to 30 days.
Considering that background application-required drug testing expires in 30 days, and random drug screening can occur at any time, you may be at great risk of qualifying for a position or losing your job. Average times that drugs will continue to show up in your urine include the following:
- Cocaine 2-3 days
- MDMA 2-4 days
- Heroin 1-3 days
- Meth 2-3 days
Marijuana can last in your system for longer periods of time depending on the frequency of use.
A one-time use can last up to 5-8 days, while use 2-6 times per week can last in your system for 23-63 days.
A positive test result on the DOT panel will subject a driver to be “removed from safety-sensitive duties. Drivers will be required to enter a Substance Abuse Program (SAP) and will not be able to return to a driving position until completed, an average of one year.