Expert: Robin Sexton - 7/3/2008

Question
I am on probation and think I may or may not have failed a drug test for taking a prescription medication cough syrup that was my father's. Is there a way I can find out if I have in fact failed the test? Or do I need to have sleepless nights for an entire month before I next need to see him?

Answer
Louis,

A small correct dosage of a cough syrup will have minimal return on a blood test.  Especially if there is sometime between the dosage and the test.  The most common drug would be codeine. Which would test out as a type of narcotic.  Also another big factor is what are you on probation for ?  Drugs ? you should know better.  Bad checks probably won't be noticed.  If the PO brings the test to your attention tell the truth.  Unless you have had several technical violations on your probation record one blemished drug test won't be an issue.

Good Luck

Robin