What Types of Drugs Do Employers Test for?

Before confirming the employment of a potential employee, many companies require the applicant to submit to a drug test. A potential employee must test negative for drugs to secure employment with such companies. Some companies also require employees to submit to random drug tests during the course of employment. Most companies test for five types of drugs according to the standards set forth by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The five types are tetrahydrocannabinol, phencyclidine, cocaine, amphetamine and opiates.

Tetrahydrocannabinol

Companies commonly test employees and potential new-hires for the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly referred to as THC. THC is an illegal substance found in cannabinoids, marijuana and hashish. THC can be tested for through blood, urine or hair samples. THC is a fat soluble substance, which means the drug is stored in the fat cells in the body. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, THC can be detected for up to several weeks after use. A person may also test positive for THC if exposed to secondhand smoke.

Cocaine

Cocaine, also known as coke or crack, is usually tested for by employers. Cocaine is a highly addictive and illegal substance that gives a stimulant effect to the user. Cocaine remains detectable in a person's system between two and ten days. Abuse of this substance can lead to severe health complications such as seizures, stroke or heart attack. Cocaine abuse can also lead to adverse psychological effects such as paranoia, irritability and anxiety. These effects can make an employee a large liability to an employer.

Amphetamine

Employer drug tests also commonly test for the presence of amphetamines. Amphetamines include methamphetamine, speed, ecstasy and ice. Amphetamines are a highly addictive substance that produce a stimulant effect. Amphetamines typically remain detectable in a person's system for up to 48 hours, while methamphetamine is detectable for two to three days. Amphetamines reduce appetite and can cause insomnia. Withdrawal from amphetamine can cause depression, fatigue and suicidal thoughts. An employee's sustained use and withdrawal can also pose a liability to the company.

Phencyclidine

Phencyclidine, also known as PCP or angel dust, is a hallucinogen that causes numbness and dissociation from the physical body. Drug tests can usually detect PCP for up to one week. Employers test for PCP since the drug is illegal and causes users to act unpredictably, posing a possible threat to workplace safety. PCP causes users to lose inhibitions and their ability to feel pain, which often leads to attacks on themselves and others.

Opiates

Opiates are strong pain relieving substances that are controlled or illegal. Controlled opiates include morphine and codeine. Illegal opiates include opium and heroin. Morphine generally remains in a user's system for two to three days. Heroin is water soluble and usually detectable for up to 24 hours after use. Opiates can cause addiction and violence during withdrawal.