Do You Get Drug Tested At A Physical?

Do you have a physical examination coming up? If you partake in marijuana you may be extra nervous, because you are unsure whether or not you get drug tested at physicals.

In this article, we are going to answer this question for you so that you do not have to worry anymore. So, without further ado, let us get started!

Do You Get Drug Tested At A Physical?

Why Are Physical Examinations Important?

The importance of regular physical examinations cannot be overstated. Not only does it provide us with information about our overall health status but it also gives us valuable insight into our bodies.

We can learn how our body reacts to different foods, medicines, diseases and injuries. This helps us create better personal plans for living healthier lives.

It’s also very important to keep up-to-date with current medical developments. Most people tend to forget about their annual physicals until it’s too late.

By then, many illnesses have progressed beyond the point where they can be treated. Regular exams allow physicians to catch these problems before they become serious.

What Can You Expect At A Physical?

First of all, if you go through a physical with your doctor, your first thought will probably be “I am getting my yearly physical, and I hope it goes well”.

But what is the purpose of a physical anyways? It is more than just having your blood pressure checked, and measuring your weight and height.

The most important thing about a physical is that it is an opportunity for your doctor to check on any medical conditions that you might have.

He/she/they can also check if you have had any injuries recently.

In addition, he/she/they will have a chance to ask questions and give recommendations regarding health issues.

Some other things you can expect include:

  • Blood Tests
  • A urine Test
  • Chest X-Ray
  • Stool Sample
  • EKG (Electrocardiogram)
  • Pregnancy Test
  • An Eye Exam
  • Hearing Evaluation
  • Foot Exam
  • Breast Exam
  • Vaccinations
  • Health Questionnaire
  • Weight Measurement
  • Height Measurement

A typical physical lasts from 30 minutes to one hour. However, depending on the number of medical conditions you have, this could change.

Therefore, make sure to schedule a time slot during which you can take off from work.

Will You Get Drug Tested?

If you smoke marijuana, then you might want to know if you are going to be drug tested. The short answer to this question is, probably not.

Unless you are displaying behaviors that are indicative of someone that is using illegal drugs or you have a history of drug use you will probably not be tested when you go for your routine physical exam.

However, there are some exceptions to the rule:

  • If you are taking prescription medications
  • If you are pregnant
  • If you are experiencing symptoms of withdrawal
  • If you were arrested for possession of marijuana
  • If you are involved in contact sports
  • If you are taking steroids
  • If you have been convicted of DUI
  • If you are suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs while driving
  • If the physician suspects that you are under the influence of alcohol
  • If the physician suspects your behavior indicates you are abusing pain

You May be Asked to Pee in a Cup

Don’t panic. They are likely not looking for traces of drug use.

You can tell a lot about the health of a human by the mineral contents in their urine. For instance, elevated levels of salt in the urine can indicate hypertension.

As such, doctors usually test urine samples to determine if they contain certain minerals. These tests help them diagnose problems like kidney disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

So, next time you go for your physical, don’t panic. Just relax and let the doctor do their job.

Your doctor has your best interest at heart. And as long as you take care of yourself in terms of nutrition and exercise, you should be fine.

Final Thoughts

All in all, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be worried about getting drug tested during a physical. But, instead of worrying, you should simply treat the situation like any other part of life.

Take good care of yourself, eat right, drink plenty of water, sleep enough, exercise often, etc., and everything else will fall into place. Don’t forget to get regular preventative screenings, too!

Tom Bowler