Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD and ADD) both use similar or the same types of drugs to treat the symptoms. Often, stimulant drugs are used to treat ADHD and ADD and these drugs can sometimes show up in drug screening tests. They may indicate illicit drug use in a drug screening test, even though they are legal medications.
Stimulants Used to Treat ADHD and ADD Show up in Drug Tests
ADHD and ADD can prevent you from doing your job properly and effectively. Stimulant medications are able to help you perform your job better. The Mayo Clinic indicates that common stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD and ADD are:
- Ritalin
- Concerta
- Daytrana
- Adderall
- Dexidrine
Common stimulants that are looked for with drug screening tests include:
- cocaine
- amphetamines
- heroin
Why Stimulants are Used to Treat ADHD and ADD
How stimulants work to treat ADHD and ADD is not fully understood, but it is apparent that stimulants do boost and balance chemical levels in your brain. The Mayo Clinic indicates that stimulant drugs can help your ADHD and ADD symptoms and keep you more focused and not be as impulsive or hyperactive.
Your Privacy Rights With Drug Screening Tests and ADHD and ADD
Hospitals, employers and schools will often perform drug-screening tests. It is possible for your stimulant ADHD and ADD medications to give a positive reading on your drug test.
It is legal for drug screening tests to be administered, but it is not legal for any employer or person administering a test to discriminate against you due to your medical condition. If a drug-screening test shows you are positive for stimulants, you will most likely have to explain your condition to your employer or whomever has issued the drug test. Those results must be kept in confidence.
Reasons Why Drug Screening Tests are Done
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), nearly 75 percent of illicit drug users are employed. Drug-free workplaces have reported increases in workplace performance and better moral. They have also had decreases in workplace accidents, downtime, theft, staff turnover and absenteeism.
Schools also do random drug testing for two reasons. First, they hope the drug tests will act as a deterrent and that students will refrain from doing drugs while at school. Second, a drug test helps identify the students who have substance abuse problems and allows the schools to perform early interventions
Complications of ADHD and ADD Drugs Showing up in Drug Screening Tests
Although ADHD and ADD stimulant drugs are legal, they are likely to show up in your drug screening test. Many people do not wish to let their employer know they have ADHD or ADD and a drug screening test may leave you no choice.
While it is not legal for an employer to discriminate against you due to a medical condition, once knowledge of your condition is learned, discrimination is possible.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
References:
MayoClinic.com. "Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children"(accessed October 20, 2010)
HealthCentral.com. "Employment Drug Screening and ADHD Medications "(accessed October 20, 2010)
Americans with Disabilities Act. "Employment"(accessed October 20, 2010)
National Institute on Drug Abuse: NIDA Infofacts. "Workplace Resources"(accessed October 20, 2010)
National Institute on Drug Abuse. "Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Testing in Schools" (accessed October 20, 2010)
Tamara Laschinsky - Health and wellness advocate, author, researcher and owner of Natural e GREEN: Natural Health & Wellness store!
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