I failed a drug test at work-will I lose my job?

Hi, glad you're here. My name is Mikee. Failing a drug test at work is frightening. Can you tell me more?

It is possible, yes. And if so, it would be a natural consequence to choices made. However, more and more employers are recognizing that addiction is a real disease, and are now offering programs to help employees get clean and heal.

It depends on your employer's policy. Every company has a different policy. Some employers have zero-tolerance for failed drug test, but it cab be hard time if you fail the test.

I would recommend reviewing your works' policies. They're suppose to be readily available to everyone and their potential repercussions should also be mentioned. Usually, in these cases, it would depend on the drug and circumstances, though some establishments/industries/businesses/fields have mandatory sentencing/policy. I highly recommend contacting Human Resources to receive a more in-depth, accurate answer.

Well no not right away. That is not how it should work out. Human resource should approach you about it. If you have an issue, you must accept help But by all means fight it.

That depends. It's best to speak with your employer or your work representative and see what are the protocols for failing a drug test and your rights as a an employee.

You can be fired if you fail a drugs test, yes. Your employer may even contact the police. The best way to avoid this is to become clean!

If it turned out you were a drug addict, employers should act with caution. It depends on the job and the contractual agreements. Drug use is generally considered gross misconduct and grounds for instant dismissal, but if you are an addict and your drug use does not interfere with your work, yet you get tested, there would be grounds for appeal. At least in the UK.

It depends on what you were tested for and if you are offered help and you take it. Most companies test for narcotics and in my experience i have seen it on both counts. Where some were fired and some were offered help for example they asked if you went to rehab and wanted to remain sober than they will relook your work contract

This depends on a variety of factors. First, of course, is whether or not you have a prescription for the particular drug that is valid in your state. If so, then this is not a concern. Second, it depends on your employer's policy. Some employers have zero-tolerance for failed drug tests, while others might be more lenient so long as future drug tests are clean. Finally, If you are staying in a halfway house, or are on parole, among other variations in legal status / residence/ etc., this can potentially influence or override your employers decision (usually in the direction of termination of employment). tl;dr: It depends.