Many employers in the United States use drug screening as part of their recruitment and hiring process. While this step can cost more and take more time, many employers find drug testing beneficial in hiring the best possible candidates.

Drug testing is also standard in other situations, such as random drug testing during employment in a sober living facility, or in post-accident testing.

There are many types of drug screening available. In many cases, employers may use a five-panel drug test. However, four-panel drug tests have gained popularity in recent years.

This article will explore what a 4-panel drug test is and how it works.

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Comprehensive, supportive treatment programs are available at The Best Treatment. Contact our intake team to explore your treatment options, verify insurance, or schedule an appointment.

What Does a 4-Panel Drug Test Look For?

A four-panel drug test is a urine drug screening. It tests for four common addictive substances or can be tailored to test for drugs of an employer’s choice. This type of test screens urine for substances–or metabolites of substances– from four major drug categories. It may also test for four specific drugs or a mixture of these two.

A four-panel drug test may screen for:

• Cocaine
• Methamphetamine 
• THC
• Opiates

Employers in states where marijuana is legal may choose a five-panel urine test without the THC screening element. This “no THC”  test my screen for:

•  Phencyclidine (PCP)
•  Amphetamines
•  Cocaine
•  Opiates

People may also customize a four-panel drug screening to test for specific drugs or categories of substances, including:

•  Fentanyl
•  Benzodiazepines
•  Methadone

The testing process is fairly standard. It typically begins with collecting a urine sample from the person being tested. People may produce their samples in a lab, clinic, or workplace. In some instances, drug screening can happen via a mobile collection process.

Once the urine is collected, the testing company can perform a rapid test or send the sample to a lab for more accurate testing. Then, the testing company will send the test results to the employer and the person being tested.

Why is Drug Testing Necessary?

Drug testing can take time and may cost a company money. However, pre-employment drug screening can help employers maintain a drug-free workplace.

But why is this so important?

Here are some of the reasons employees may choose to perform pre-employment drug screenings.

Safety

Employees using marijuana (THC), cocaine, opiates, or other drugs may have side effects that increase the risk of harm to themselves or others. Drug abuse can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and cause significant changes in coordination and balance. When employees come to work high or stoned, they are more likely to hurt themselves or others.

Many employers choose to screen potential employees for drugs to ensure the safety of other workers, customers, and community members.

Productivity

Employees who engage in substance abuse are more likely to have numerous absences or to be unproductive while working. Employees with substance use disorder are more likely to steal from the business or engage in other illegal activities.

Substance abuse can become the center of a person’s life. It can be challenging for people with SUD to focus on their work when they are experiencing withdrawal symptoms thinking about how to get their substance of choice.

Public relations

Employers want to protect the reputation of their business or organization, avoid liability lawsuits, property theft, and other problems, and ensure that customers have the best possible experiences.

Screening potential employees for drugs may help to reduce the risk of legal action or negative customer experiences.

Drug testing can also be critical in other situations. Sober living communities may require random drug testing to ensure the safety and security of their residents and the facility. Law enforcement may use drug screening after accidents or other incidents.

Recognizing and Treating Addiction

If you or someone you love or are concerned about passing a drug test, it may be a sign that you require professional treatment to overcome substance abuse or addiction.

Some other signs of substance use disorder (SUD) include:

•  Needing to use more of a substance to get its desired effects
•  Experiencing cravings For an addictive substance
•  Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop using it
•  Spending a lot of time  and energy getting, using, or recovering from using a substance
•  Neglecting your responsibilities, hobbies, relationships
•  Isolating or only spending time with people who abuse drugs
•  Wanting to stop using a substance but finding that it’s challenging
•  Continuing to use an addictive substance, even though it causes significant harm to your health, relationships, or other important aspects of your life

Comprehensive substance abuse programs can help people overcome addiction and move forward. Addiction treatment programs typically use a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies.

Participating in comprehensive treatment can help people identify and address the physical, environmental, emotional, and behavioral aspects of their addiction.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, effective treatment is available at The Best Treatment. Contact our intake team now to learn about our holistic rehab programs or to schedule an appointment.