With the increasing use of drug testing for school athletes and in the workplace –with some industries required to do so by federal law – it’s no surprise that there are a plethora of tips out there for how to beat them or cheat the results. Some of the methods sound logical enough, while others are downright ridiculous. Is even possible to fake a drug test? Yes, technically, although it’s very difficult.
One of the most common schemes involves tampering with urine tests. Some examples of how people have tried this in the past include carrying in another sample and swapping it out, hiring someone to go take the test for them, diluting the urine and making drugs undetectable by drinking a lot of water ahead of time, adding chemicals or drinking vinegar to alter the pH level, and taking masking agents or detox drinks. Fortunately, or unfortunately for the drug user, technology has advanced to the point where most of these cheats no longer work. Laboratory personnel is able to detect the presence of unusual chemicals not only because the pH will be off but because the color and smell of the urine will be altered. Similarly, a large water intake would change the color. Also, many testing facilities require people to show photo ID, although of course, this depends on the workers actually taking the time to check them.
Most of the commercial masking agents are not only expensive but not terribly effective. A quick google search reveals one product selling for $159 dollars that promises to permanently reduce toxins to pass a urine, blood or saliva drug test. It involves a diet meant to enhance your metabolism, a variety of vitamin and herbal supplements, and an optional sauna detox, to sweat out the last of the drugs. Similarly, drug detox drinks generally claim to either dilute your urine or increase metabolism or contain substances that will mask the presence of drugs.
As mentioned before, however, technicians will be able to detect the presence of unusual substances in your urine, as well as tell if it’s been diluted. And while these products might speed up your metabolism, it won’t be enough to help you beat the test. If anything unusual shows up in your urine, you will have to retake the test.
One of the more ridiculous products is a tiny, $30 bottle of shampoo that claims to somehow cleanse your hair so that follicle drug tests won’t reveal anything. Most shampoos aren’t able to reach inside the hair follicle and remove the toxins. Results from hair tests are one of the most difficult to food, and they can reveal drug use as far back as three months.
The moral of the story is that you probably aren’t going to be able to beat a drug test, so save yourself the money and effort of trying.
If you or a loved one need help with quitting drugs or alcohol, consider Asana Recovery. We offer medical detox, along with both residential and outpatient programs, and you’ll be supervised by a highly trained staff of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists. Call us any time at (949) 438-4504 to get started.
