Drug testing is a common aspect of treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), but it can be stressful. At Groups, we ask our members to do weekly urine screens. These are confidential between each person and their care team. Unlike other treatment centers, we don’t kick people out or judge them for positive results. Recovery isn’t linear — and punishment and stigma have no place in our approach. Our practice is based on the principles of harm reduction. This means we respect your rights and we trust in your ability to make the right decisions for you. We’re here to help you with the information, tools, and support you need to stay safe.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about why we test our members during treatment and what happens if you don’t pass. We’ll also answer some questions about how drug tests for opioids work and what can affect your results.
Why are drug tests required during treatment?
There are a few reasons why we require opioid testing during treatment at Groups. Because Suboxone is a heavily regulated medication, many state laws and insurance payers require drug screens for people who are in treatment for OUD. However, drug screens can also provide valuable information about treatment progress. They help us understand where you are in your recovery process by indicating when you’re able to stop taking opioids. This helps us tailor your treatment as you go.
We provide Suboxone to most of the people we work with. The regulation of Suboxone has made it hard to access. It’s becoming more widely accessible because it’s safe and effective. People on Suboxone have a lower chance of using again, and the main ingredient isn’t likely to cause overdose. However, it’s still a Schedule III drug. It’s relatively highly regulated, mainly because of stigma that began with the war on drugs.
What happens if I don’t pass my drug test at Groups?
Groups doesn’t punish members for positive drug screens. Instead, we work with them to help them stay safe and prevent or reduce opioid use. Our Recovery Support Specialists are great at listening without judgment, and we’ve done our best to create a culture of empathy and understanding. Most people have to work through some internalized guilt or shame about their opioid use. We make it safe for you to explore those feelings without adding to them. In these moments, compassionate reflection comes first. Then we try to find some practical steps you can take to stay on track with your recovery goals. It may be an opportunity to learn a new coping skill or make a positive life change.
Is it possible to get a false positive?
Yes, there can be false positives on drug tests that screen for opioids. Newer types of tests have been adjusted so poppy seeds are less likely to cause a false positive. However, it’s still possible. Certain prescription medications can have the same effect, such as verapamil and diphenhydramine. Most of the time, when a person tests positive, more tests are done to confirm the presence of a specific opioid. Follow-up tests can usually reveal what caused a false positive.
Having liver or kidney problems can affect the way your body processes opioids. If you have diabetes or liver disease, or if there’s a chance you may have ingested another toxin, you should receive additional testing.
How can I pass a drug test for opioids while using?
There are a lot of products out there that claim to detox your system fast. If you dig through enough search results on Google, you’ll find recipes for detox drinks and tricks to try at home. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Our clinicians understand that fear and stigma can make someone want to hide their substance use or “beat” a drug test. But in a treatment setting that’s truly focused on recovery, honesty is key. We need to know exactly what’s going on so we can tailor care — whether that means adjusting a medication dose or offering extra counseling support. Punishing or judging a person for a positive test doesn’t help them move forward. It only discourages open communication. Our goal is to build an environment where you feel safe enough to share the full picture of your struggles. That way, we can work together to address the underlying reasons for use and guide you toward healthier coping strategies.
How can I improve my chances of success?
Sticking to your treatment plan is a protective factor that lowers your chance of using again. People are most likely to use again in the first days and weeks of treatment. Starting over after each use can have a cumulative effect that leads to better results in the long term. Two of the most important factors in opioid use prevention are building a foundation of recovery across multiple areas of life and learning healthy strategies for coping and prevention. To make the biggest impact, your work with a licensed counselor should revolve around your perceptions of your life situations and substance use. Identifying risky situations and becoming aware of your own thoughts and feelings are the first steps toward making choices that align with your values.
Having social support is another protective factor that isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. The quality of your relationships and the attitudes of the people around you can have both positive and negative effects on your recovery. At Groups, you’ll connect with recovery-oriented people who won’t judge you. We also help our members work on their personal relationships and develop skills to maintain them.
Here are some other ways to reduce your risk of using again:
- Find out what your triggers and warning signs are and learn some ways to manage them.
- Learn to manage your stress and find ways to avoid states of vulnerability (e.g., being hungry, angry, lonely, or tired [HALT]).
- Develop coping strategies that are personalized and effective for you.
- Avoid socializing with other people who use or those who might trigger you to use.
- Develop a recovery-oriented support system.
- Work on your communication and relationship skills.
- Work with a counselor to identify negative thought patterns and find better alternatives. Black-and-white thinking, overgeneralization, jumping to conclusions, and other cognitive distortions can affect your behavior.
- Take care of your health by eating balanced meals, getting enough sleep, and exercising or moving in whatever way works for you.
Explore your recovery options at Groups
Recovery isn’t linear. It isn’t always smooth sailing after your first few weeks and months in treatment. Life is full of challenges, and you will need strong skills to resist triggers and cravings for the rest of your life. At Groups, we offer more than treatment. We help you start to rebuild your relationships, mental wellness, and healthy habits to work as life anchors. We also provide life-goal assistance to help you chart a course through your next phase of life.
Our program has three main components:
- Suboxone treatment
- Individual counseling
- Group support meetings
Our goal is to provide treatments that support the life you want to live. We know that deciding what’s best for you is a complex process with many variables. Establishing trust between yourself and your care providers is critical for your success. Everyone at Groups cares deeply about each of our members and our community as a whole. We try to build genuine relationships, and we encourage open and honest communication from everyone.
Are you looking for an OUD recovery program that actually feels like a community? Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today. Let’s talk about what’s possible and start exploring your options together. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your state, you can locate other treatment options here.
