What is DISA Drug Testing?

Understanding the Circumstances and Process for DISA Testing

If you are a DOT employee or work in a high-risk occupation, you have likely wondered: What is DISA drug testing? DISA drug tests are a program to help employers have a drug-free space and increase workplace safety. DISA is short for Drug Information Systems of America (DISA). Their company makes drug and alcohol testing services available to help employers remain in compliance with regulations.

DISA Global Solutions is widely known for accuracy and reliability. Thus, it has become a preferred partner in drug testing employees in governmental or high-risk industries such as oil drilling.

Icarus Behavioral Health has seen firsthand the fallout that can come from drug and alcohol abuse. Employees who test positive for substances often find themselves thrust into a tailspin, particularly with the rigorous requirements of DISA tests. They find out they can’t work, leading to depression, and that may trigger a dangerous cycle of substance abuse.

Read on to learn more specific information about DISA drug and alcohol testing and how it applies to the workplace, and if you or a loved one have run afoul of their testing, how to get effective help for ‘return to duty’ clearance at Icarus in New Mexico.

What Types of Employers Require Drug Testing?

Companies and employers from various safety-sensitive sectors consider drug testing crucial to meet mandated requirements and internal safety standards for occupational health.

A sampling of employers using DISA Global Solutions include:

• The Department of Transportation (DOT)
• Construction, especially when employees work on government contracts
• Manufacturing firms
• Utility companies and energy industries
• Federal and state government employees in addition to the DOT
• Technology and IT service providers

These employers rely on the Drug Information Systems of America to ensure people on their site will keep themselves, other employees, and clients safe.

Additionally, these places usually require a pre-employment background check before employment; and past DISA results stay on the page for the prospective employee.

DISA Drug Testing Requirements and Contract

Once they acknowledge the risks inherent in safety-sensitive positions, or as required by government contracts, employers sign up for employee screening with DISA.

Employers usually sign a contract with DISA when they onboard with their drug testing service. The agreement outlines key expectations for both parties. After signing up for DISA, top employers can take advantage of the DISA drug testing policy, which also provides administrative support to manage their workplace.

Since employer compliance with DISA regulations requires that employers follow specific procedures when implementing drug test, this level of support and guidance is often essential.

When Does a Workplace Administer a Drug Test?

Many workplaces can give employees drug testing at any time they wish. However, the three most likely times they’d rely on those services are:

• Pre-employment Hiring: Many workplaces use drug testing services before hiring a new person. The testing results help them determine whether to hire them at all.
• Reasonable Cause Workplace Testing: Sometimes, drug testing happens because a supervisor or manager suspects drug use in the line of duty. For instance, they might smell marijuana in an employee’s clothing or notice slurred speech.
• After an Accident: Many companies have a policy of testing for alcohol, marijuana, and other commonly abused drugs after someone has an employee has an accident on duty.

The Impact of DISA Drug Testing

According to DISA itself, their research has found that drug and alcohol abuse costs American employers approximately $100 billion annually. They report that drug and alcohol use on the job leads to accidents, theft, absenteeism, and an overall decline in productivity.

That figure alone shows why employers believe that DISA Drug Testing Requirement Contracts can provide a valuable benefit. Employers also know the value of an employee passing the DASS drug test requirement is priceless.

It’s a paradox. To improve employee productivity, the employer must also prioritize employee safety. Employers must remain vigilant about recent regulatory changes and drug regulations to ensure continued compliance with the law. DISA Global Solutions helps them with all of this.

Are DISA and the Department of Transportation (DOT) the Same?

No, they are not the same. DISA is one of the leading providers of DOT compliance services. This commitment to drug and alcohol testing can encourage the workforce to be safer!

What Kind of Drug Test Does DISA Administer?

The urinalysis test is the only one currently authorized by the federal system. Urine testing can detect drug metabolites in urine. This test is a less invasive, legally enforceable drug test form. Refusing to submit to this testing at the request of an employer can result in an employee being removed from duty immediately.

What Substances May Appear in the Test Results?

The DISA drug testing services detect a wide range of substances. It looks for the following:

• Marijuana (THC)
• Cocaine
• Opiates
• Amphetamines
• Methamphetamines
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Ecstacy (MDMA)
• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines
• Methadone
• Propoxyphene
• Alcohol

These drug tests are considered accurate, and failure can mean disciplinary actions, up to immediate removal from the job site.

What Happens if You Fail This Drug Test?

If a worker fails to pass a drug test on the DISA drug test program, the results remain permanently in his or her account. This outcome can have a life-altering impact on DOT or state employees seeking new opportunities.

Ending Substance Abuse After Failing Drug Testing

Earlier, we mentioned how a failed drug test can trigger a spiral into further substance abuse – but it need not be that way.

We encourage you to treat it as a challenge that you can overcome. Icarus Behavioral Health can provide customized treatment plans and resources that will help you learn better ways of handling stress than using drugs or alcohol.

Our customized programs will support you as we dig down to the root of your drinking or drug use problem and help you become whole again. You will no longer need to worry about any future drug testing policy – you will pass future alcohol, illicit drug, and marijuana testing with flying colors.

Contact Icarus Behavioral Health to Start the Healing Process

If you have had an issue because of a failed drug test, Icarus Behavioral Health is here to help you put the pieces back together. Whether you use illicit drugs or abuse legal marijuana or alcohol, help is available!

Call us today – it’s completely confidential. We can start treating you as early as tomorrow and get you on the path to return to duty immediately!