Popular Companies Which Drug Test Their Employees

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only, and does not replace expert medical or mental health advice. Drug and alcohol use requires a comprehensive psychiatric and physical evaluation. So, always refer to a board-certified physician or mental health specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. In case of emergencies, call 9-1-1 in the U.S. or your local emergency number immediately.

Drug testing programs in the U.S. became popular in the 1980s. Companies drug test their employees for two reasons: to filter out those who use drugs and reduce drug use among employees. Drug tests can be done pre-employment and randomly.

Drug testing can improve productivity and morale, but this can depend on the workplace and workforce, too. Employers and employees must be careful in determining whether or not a drug testing program can be beneficial for their employees and goals.

Employers can drug test their employees to understand whether or not a potential or current employee may be involved with illegal drugs or substances. They do it mainly to ensure a substance-free work environment for everyone - and productivity, too, as drugs can deter productivity and performance.

Drug testing became common in American workplaces in the 1980s, after President Ronald Reagan’s Executive Order 12564 for a Drug-Free Federal Workplace (1986). However, the incidence of companies drug testing their employees has reduced since then.

Indeed reports that there are 4 types of drug testing: pre-employment, random, post-accident, and periodic.

• Pre-Employment: Pre-employment drug testing is done to ensure that a company’s potential hire is not involved in any illegal drugs or substances, thereby creating a substance-free and safe environment for all.
• Random: Random drug testing is done spontaneously, so anyone can be selected for a drug test - regardless of their position, experience, or performance.
• Post-Accident: Post-accident drug testing is done when companies suspect drug use after a workplace accident. A drug test is conducted within 12 hours to ensure accurate results and protect everyone’s safety.
• Periodic: Periodic drug testing is conducted monthly, bimonthly, or annually to monitor and reduce the frequency of drug use among employees.

Some of the popular companies that drug test their employees are:

1. Amazon

Amazon conducts pre-employment drug testing, which is the final step in the hiring process. However, it can conduct random drug tests, too.

2. Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson drug tests its employees and also provides health insurance benefits that cover drug and alcohol rehab.

3. JPMorgan Chase

JPMorgan Chase does random drug testing. Urine drug testing is the most common method used by this company.

4. General Electric (GE)

GE performs both pre-employment and random drug testing. It may also drug test its employees at customer sites.

5. Procter & Gamble

Procter & Gamble can conduct urine or hair testing for its potential hires, indicating it typically conducts pre-employment drug testing.

A drug test (random or otherwise) can feel stressful, especially if results are unexpected or raise concerns about your substance use. What happens next often depends on the type of test, your employment policy, and whether the result points to occasional use, prescription medication use, or a possible substance use disorder.

In some cases, employers may request confirmation testing to verify results, particularly because some prescription medications can remain detectable in the body for different lengths of time and may impact outcomes. For instance, medications like Fioricet, Klonopin, and Trazodone may stay in the system for different durations depending on factors like dosage, metabolism, and frequency of use. Understanding these timelines can help avoid confusion around drug screening results.

For some employees, a failed or concerning drug test may result in disciplinary action or referral to an employee assistance program (EAP). But for others, it may be the first sign that substance use has become difficult to manage. In such an event, a drug test can become an opportunity to reach out for the care you need and deserve.

Substance use can begin slowly. Many employees who use substances to cope with stress or other challenging circumstances are not in a crisis - they are showing up for work and other responsibilities. But this does not mean substance use, even if occasional, can be overlooked either.

Many of those who need substance use treatment delay reaching out because of one fear: “Do I have to take a long leave of absence or quit my job to seek care?”

This is a valid, concerning question. However, residential rehab is not the only option for substance use.

Structured outpatient care programs like intensive outpatient programs offer structure and flexibility that can be tailored around your schedule - without the need for you to step away from your job or other responsibilities.

Reaching out for the care you need and deserve early can make a meaningful difference, and outpatient treatment can be a practical starting point for recovery.

Substance use does not develop overnight - it begins occasionally, as a release from the stresses of a long day. Slowly, it becomes harder to control these patterns. You may try to quit on your own, but it proves challenging, and you fall back to the same patterns. But you do not have to navigate this on your own.

Reaching out to licensed and experienced specialists who understand your experiences and meet you where you are can make a significant difference.

If you have noticed that your substance use is becoming harder to control with every passing day, understanding your recovery options and whether an outpatient level of care can make sense for you will offer more clarity.

Please do not hesitate to call NuView Treatment Center at (323) 307-7997 to learn about your recovery options without committing to anything right away. Let us begin with just a conversation.

1. What are a few other popular companies that drug test their employees?

A few other popular companies that drug test their employees are AT&T, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and Walmart, among others.

2. Can prescription medications lead to a failed drug test?

Some prescription medications may lead to a failed drug test, but the results will require further medical review.

3. Do remote employees get drug tested?

Some employers may still require pre-employment or periodic drug testing even for those in remote roles.

4. Are there jobs more likely to require drug testing than others?

Safety-sensitive jobs like healthcare, transportation, and construction can have stricter drug testing and substance use policies.

5. Can refusing a workplace drug test affect your employment?

Depending on company policy, refusing a drug test can affect your employment.