Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is also known as ADHD or ADD. Both conditions use the same drug treatments to control the symptoms of the illness. A common type of medication used for ADHD and ADD are stimulant medications. These stimulants can show up in drug screening tests and may signal illicit drug use to whomever is administering the test.
Stimulants
Stimulants are often used in treating ADHD and ADD, as they can assist you in performing your job and duties more effectively. Stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD and ADD include Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, Adderall and Dexidrine, according to MayoClinic.com.
Stimulants that are often looked for in drug screening tests, according to HealthCentral.com, are cocaine, amphetamines and heroin.
Function
It is not fully known how the stimulants work to treat ADHD or ADD but the stimulants do appear to boost and balance the levels of chemicals in the brain. Stimulant drugs, according to the Mayo Clinic, can help improve your ability to pay attention and refrain from impulsive and hyperactive actions.
Privacy
The Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, takes measures to prevent employers from discriminating against people with disabilities. The ADA outlines your rights and freedoms, and states that no employer can discriminate against you if you have a disability.
However, drug-screening tests are allowed and legal. If you test positive, you will most likely have to explain your medical condition to whomever is administering the drug test. Any results must be kept in confidence by the person or persons who have ordered the drug testing.
Testing Reasons
The National Institute on Drug Abuse explains that some schools, hospitals and places of employment conduct drug testing.
Studies show that nearly 75 percent of adult illicit drug users are employed, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA. Employers who have enforced drug-free workplaces have benefited from overall workplace performance and morale. The NIDA also reports that workplaces with drug-free policies in place have experienced decreases in accidents, absenteeism, downtime, theft and turnover in staff.
Schools that do random drug testing are hoping to decrease drug abuse in students. By doing random drug tests, schools hope that students will be deterred, and refrain from doing drugs at school. Random drug testing also identifies drug users and according to NIDA, allows schools to work on early intervention plans with the student.
Complications
If you do not wish to let your employer or school know that you have ADHD or ADD, you may be forced to disclose that information if your drug test shows positive. Although the law does not allow it, you may be treated differently once knowledge of your ADHD or ADD is learned.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children
- HealthCentral: Employment Drug Screening and ADHD Medications
- Americans with Disabilities Act: Employment
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: NIDA Infofacts: Workplace Resources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Testing in Schools
