Drug and alcohol testing FAQ

It varies widely. Detection depends on the substance, how much and how often it was used, the person's metabolism and hydration, and the test cutoff. Some substances clear in a day or two after a single use, while regular, heavy use of some substances, such as cannabis, can be detectable much longer. SAMHSA's TAP 32 on clinical drug testing presents these as typical ranges, not guarantees (https://www.samhsa.gov/resource/ebp/tap-32-clinical-drug-testing-primary-care). Random testing helps because it does not depend on guessing a window.

EtG is a byproduct the body makes when it processes alcohol. Mayo Clinic Laboratories notes it can be detectable in urine for up to about 5 days after drinking at a 500 ng/mL cutoff, depending on how much was consumed (https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/63418). Research in addiction treatment patients found that lower cutoffs detect more drinking over several days, but also need careful interpretation (Lowe et al., 2015, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4400217).

They can. Mayo Clinic Laboratories notes that incidental exposure to alcohol in products such as hand sanitizer and mouthwash can produce detectable EtG and EtS (https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/63418). If you are on an EtG program, avoid alcohol-based products where you can, and tell your coordinator about anything you use so results can be interpreted fairly.

Yes, occasionally. Instant screens are designed to be fast and sensitive, and some medications or other substances can cause a screen to read positive. That is why screening and confirmation are separate steps. NIDA describes confirming positive screens with a more specific laboratory method (https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/drug-testing). At Blackburn, presumptive positives can be sent to a partner laboratory for confirmation.

Our instant 12 panel urine cup screens for a range of common substances, including categories such as opioids, stimulants, benzodiazepines and cannabis. If you are concerned about a specific substance, ask your coordinator before testing so we can confirm whether the screen fits your goal.

Usually not. A breath test measures alcohol in your system at the moment you test, so it is best for questions about right now. If the question is whether someone has been drinking over the past few days, an EtG urine test is usually the better choice. Many plans combine both.

Both are useful, but they answer slightly different questions. Saliva testing is observed and mainly reflects recent use, often over hours to a few days, depending on the substance (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 2019, https://aaafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/19-0297_AAAFTS_Oral-Fluid-Research-Brief_r2.pdf). Urine usually looks back further. We offer saliva testing on request.

No. A test shows whether a substance was detected; it does not diagnose a substance use disorder or tell you how serious a problem is. NIDA notes that test results should not be the only basis for decisions about someone's care (https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/drug-testing). If you are worried, an assessment with a clinician is the right next step, and we can connect you with Blackburn Clinical Services.

Your coordinator contacts you first, asks about medications or other explanations, and arranges lab confirmation when appropriate. Results are reported to your authorized contacts as your agreement describes. Then we talk about what would help: therapy or psychiatric care, a more structured living situation, mentoring, or scholarship help for treatment. A positive result is a reason to get support, not a dead end.

Not from us without your permission. Results are shared only with the people and organizations you authorize in writing. If someone is not on your authorization, we do not share your results with them.

You can update your written authorization to add or remove people. If you want to stop testing, talk with your coordinator. If your testing is part of a legal or professional requirement, stopping may have consequences, so check with your attorney or program first.

No. We do not perform DOT-regulated drug or alcohol testing. DOT testing is governed by federal rules in 49 CFR Part 40 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-A/part-40) and requires a DOT-qualified collection process. We offer non-DOT testing only.

We work with families of both adults and teens. With younger people we focus on safety, honesty and conversation rather than punishment. The American Academy of Pediatrics has cautioned parents about testing adolescents at home without professional involvement (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17332219). Call us to talk through consent and whether testing is the right step for your family.

A home cup can be a starting point, but it has real limits: it is usually unobserved, easy to tamper with, not confirmed by a lab, and comes with no one to help interpret it. If the result matters for trust, legal or professional reasons, an observed test with lab confirmation available is more reliable.

No. Monitoring is meant to give honest information early, while there is still time to act on it, and to give people in recovery a way to prove their progress. Many people choose monitoring because a steady record helps them rebuild trust.

Yes. Anyone who can reach our Venice Blvd office is welcome. If that is not practical, mobile testing at your home or workplace is available for an additional fee. Call us and we will figure out what works.

Call your coordinator. A slip is a signal to add support, not a reason to hide. We can help you connect with therapy, psychiatric care, sober living, mentoring or treatment scholarships. If you are in danger, call or text 988, and for a medical emergency or suspected overdose, call 911. The SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) also offers free, confidential referrals.

No. Blackburn Monitoring serves anyone who needs testing or monitoring. Sober living through Blackburn Recovery Services is a separate option, and your coordinator can introduce you if you think more structure at home would help.