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In the past, we have talked about why a business should incorporate a drug screening program, but we have never actually talked about what happens if a person fails a drug test. In two words, it depends.

It really depends on the employer, and in some cases it depends on the state laws. Let us break that down in greater detail for you.

Let’s start from the beginning. If you fail a pre-employment drug screen, you will not get hired. If you did, then what would be the point of having a pre-employment drug screen in the first place? Employers do not want to hire workers who are on drugs. Not only is it a liability issue for a company, but it could lead to harm for the employee or fellow employees, and it also could lead to the drug user doing a terrible job.

RELATED: Should Your Business Test For Drugs?

Why does it depend on the employer? Well, because you work for the employer, of course. Said employer could terminate you on the spot if the drug screening program has a clear-cut policy, which typically goes something like this: If you do drugs, you will get fired. That is the point of having a drug-free workplace.

In some cases, if an employee fails a drug test, he/she might not get certain benefits, such as unemployment paychecks if he/she gets fired.

With all of this said, an employee could fail a test even if he/she doesn’t take drugs. If that is the case, then said employee needs to tell the MRO, employer or whoever it might be as soon as possible. This is the state of your job we are talking about, after all.

RELATED: What Are Some Common Drug Screens Employers Are Requesting?

When taking a drug test of any kind, it’s important to be honest with yourself and the employer. After all, if you knowingly take drugs, then you are likely wasting everyone’s time, and you will eventually get caught. Not to mention, you aren’t the right candidate for the job.

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