hello I am new here. I am a social work student in my last year. About a year ago I had to drop out of classes in my last semester before graduation because of depression and anxiety. Good news is I am feeling better and back and ready to complete the three classes i have left. The bad news is they are making me do another intership even though I completed and got great reviews from my last placement. My question is many internships require drug testing, I am on medication for depression and anxiety. Will this show up and is something I have to discuss with the agency before I take the test to let them know. I'd rather not have to explain my situation but I certainly dont want to have my test come up that I am on something and have not have mentioned it. Ofcourse I have prescriptions and it wouldnt be a problem, but do I have to go into detail I quess is my main question. thanks glad I found this site manda

Usually the drug testing is done at an outside lab. Why don't you talk to them about the fact that you are on prescription medications. The other option is to say to the agency that you are on some prescription medications (they don't need to know which ones or why) and wanted them to be aware.

Generally drug testing is pretty specific, and I doubt prescription medication will cause a problem. (Unless you are on medical marijuana <smile>) You might even call a lab and ask before going for the test.

Pandora

Thank you for replying. I didnt think it would be an issue but wanted to make sure. I just dont want to have to get into the whole depression issue of fear it will work against me, even though technically its not supposed to it could have a negative effect. thanks again

OMG! I too had the same fear when I got my 1st job after grad school LOL. In my case it never came up as an issue. They were testing for the heavy stuff...meth, cocaine, and some lightweights like mary jane, etc. It has since not been a probl. and I continue to be on meds. I think that even if the tests turn positive for a psych med that the drug testers would not disclsoe that info. to the place you're gonna work at since the agency only needs to know about street drugs that would be mind-altering to a sig. degree enough to affect job performance.

the only psych med that comes back on your drug test are benzodiazapines(xanax, ect.) i give daily drug screens. thought it might help. heather