If you are a driver who is subject to the DOT drug and alcohol testing program, you may wonder what substances are included in the test and what are the consequences of a positive result. In this blog post, we will explain the basics of the DOT drug test panel and how it affects your driving eligibility.
The DOT drug test panel is a set of five categories of drugs that are tested for during the pre-employment process and periodically afterward. These are:
Marijuana
Cocaine
Amphetamines (Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, MDMA, MDA)
Opioids (Codeine, Morphine, Heroin, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, Oxymorphone)
Phencyclidine (PCP)
These drugs are considered illegal or disqualifying by the DOT because they can impair your ability to drive safely and responsibly. A positive test result for any of these substances will result in a violation of the DOT drug testing regulations and will be reported to the DOT Clearinghouse. You will also be prohibited from driving until you complete a return to duty process that includes evaluation, education, treatment, and follow-up testing.
You may wonder what happens if you have a prescription for one of the drugs on the Opioid panel. While these drugs are legal when used under the care of a physician, they are still disqualifying by the DOT because they can affect your reaction time and focus. Even with a prescription, your test results will likely be marked as “Negative with Safety Concern” by a Medical Review Officer (MRO), who will defer you to your employer (and likely your prescribing physician) regarding your ability to drive safely.
As a driver who is subject to the DOT drug and alcohol testing program, you have a responsibility to comply with the regulations and to avoid using any substances that can impair your driving performance. If you have any questions or concerns about the DOT drug test panel or your test results, you should consult with your employer, your MRO, or your physician.
If you are a commercial driver, you need to be aware of the DOT regulations regarding the use of drugs and medications. The DOT has a list of drugs that are prohibited for drivers who operate vehicles that require a commercial driver's license (CDL). These drugs are considered to impair the driver's ability to safely perform their duties and may result in disqualification from driving.
The prohibited drugs include some of the following:
Amphetamine: This is a stimulant drug that can increase alertness, energy, and concentration, but also cause nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, and addiction. Examples of amphetamine drugs are Adderall and Vyvanse, which are often prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Codeine: This is an opioid drug that can relieve pain, cough, and diarrhea, but also cause drowsiness, confusion, nausea, and dependence. Codeine is found in some prescription cough syrups and painkillers.
Fentanyl: This is a synthetic opioid drug that is much more potent than morphine and can treat severe pain, but also cause respiratory depression, sedation, coma, and overdose. Fentanyl is available as a patch, lozenge, spray, or injection.
Hydrocodone: This is another opioid drug that can treat moderate to severe pain, but also cause similar side effects as fentanyl. Hydrocodone is often combined with acetaminophen (Tylenol) in products like Vicodin and Norco.
Methadone: This is an opioid drug that can treat chronic pain and opioid addiction, but also cause similar side effects as fentanyl and hydrocodone. Methadone is usually taken as a liquid or tablet.
Morphine: This is the natural opioid drug that can treat severe pain, but also cause similar side effects as fentanyl, hydrocodone, and methadone. Morphine is available as a pill, injection, or suppository.
Marijuana: This is a plant-based drug that can have various effects depending on the strain, dose, and method of consumption. Some of the effects are relaxation, euphoria, creativity, appetite stimulation, pain relief, but also impaired memory, coordination, judgment, and reaction time. Marijuana is illegal under federal law, but some states have legalized it for medical or recreational use. Marihuana can be found in diferent presentation, like gummy bear, lollipop, vape, brownies, chocolate among others. Just 1 marihuana gummy bear can be detected in the DOT drug test. Marihuana and coca tea can produce a positive result in DOT test. So be aware on what you consume and you recived from others. Also, loss weight pill can contain amphetamines that accelerate your metabolism.
What if you have a prescription for a prohibited drug?
If you have a medical condition that requires you to take any of the prohibited drugs by the DOT, you may still be able to drive if you have a letter from your doctor that clears you to do so. The letter should state the diagnosis, the medication name and dosage, the duration of treatment, and the possible side effects. The letter should also confirm that the medication does not impair your ability to drive safely.
You will need to present this letter to the Medical Examiner o medical review oficer who conducts your DOT physical exam or review your drug test, The Medical Examiner or MRO will review your letter and confirm with your doctor or pharmacy the prescription and determine if you are medically qualified to drive or not and if your results are positive o not. If you are qualified to drive.
If you do not have a letter from your doctor or if your doctor cannot provide one, you will reported as a positive result and will be forbidden to driver. plan to avoid taking any of the prohibited drugs by the DOT. You should consult with your doctor about alternative options that are safe and effective for your condition and do not affect your driving ability.
As a commercial driver, your health and safety are important not only for yourself but also for others on the road. You should always follow the DOT regulations regarding the use of drugs and medications and inform your employer if you take any prohibited drugs by the DOT. You should also talk to your doctor about your medical condition and your driving responsibilities and find the best treatment option that works for you and does not compromise your driving ability.
At Trucking Services & Logistics, we are specialists in solving all your doubts, also remember that we can give you the necessary assistance in issues concerning the DOT. Do not forget to follow our social networks (Facebook , Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok and LinkedIn) or call (813) 864 62 87, to obtain more detailed information.
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