positive drug test
 

I had my qantas medical last week and returned a positive drug test for opiates (whatever that is)... ended up being cough medicine I took a few days earlier (i got a letter from the pharmisist to confirm he gave me the medicine). I am getting re tested on monday however I am really really worried that this might have dashed my chances of being successful. Anyone ever had a similar experience? will they just chuck my application out the window now??.... :uhoh:

Err yep, whats the last known cough medicine that you know that contains heroin/opiates?:ugh: And why employ you over someone that is 'clean'?:ugh: Why would your pharnacist give you a letter for cough medicine? I'm sure you will be 'clean' on Monday, 72 hrs is about the norm...Good luck! Will be a shame if they chuck your application out the window.:ugh:

Hi
 

With Emirates after you have the medicals in the UK they tell you in your instructions not to take any Cough medicines or cold and flu remedies for 2 weeks before you fly to Dubai as they can show up a positive result in any drugs screening they may give you.

I am sure that Your airline are aware that these medicines can cause a positive response, so don't worry too much, or speculate about what they are going to do. I'm sure that this is not the first time they have had to deal with this. As long as you know you are clean it will come accross to them that it is an unfortunate mistake.

We had a driver who tested positive for opiates on a random screening. 63 yrs old. He was suspended for 3 weeks until (after pressure from his union) it was traced to poppy seeds on a bread roll he had eaten that morning.

Personally I make a note of everything I consume for 4 days prior to a booked medical. Good luck.

thanks for all the advice and support guys...
It was a bit embarassing, I couldn't believe it when the doctor said my test was positive... I knew cold and flu tablets were bad but I thought cough syrup would be okay. guess I learnt my lesson the hard way. :(

Winch-control
 

The common drug known as codeine is an opiate...

So maybe you have been :ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh: a little too much!

Anti Depressants
 

Hi all,

Anyone know if they discriminate against people who are using Anti Depressants?
If I had a medical check should I tell them before or just wait till it shows up in the drug screening test?
Or do you think I should discontinue using them? I dont want to as I have actually have depression for a few years, not serious or anthing, but if its going lower my chances of passing and being "clean" then I will have to stop and deal with it some other way.
Just not sure what do do.............

Mate! if you're on anti depressants at the tender age of 21 what will you need to take after a few years in Qantas if you get accepted?????:eek:

Sky_High_boi - I have sent you a pm.

If your on antidepressants then you defnitely must not apply for this kind of job! Working with people is tough and ungrateful.

So, what type of job he could apply?!

He's very young, there is a lot of pressure on young people nowadays. It's hard to start your own life, not even mentioning your love life.

If you find the right job and the right partner, it will help a lot not to feel so lost and depressed.

I agree with the others: you need to find an alternative for the drugs. However, I personally know people at my current company who takes or have taken antidepressants. Depression is very comman in this world, although, most of the people don't ask for help and don't get any treatment. I'm sure that there is more cabin crew struggling with depression than we are awere of...

Skysurfer79 Try not to worry too much.
SOTV is absolutely correct. If you eat one of those bread rolls with the little black poppy seeds on top (my favourite), you will test positive for opiates within 30 mins, Opiates are the substance that is the basis for both Opium and Heroin.

As a word of caution, i would avoid anything that can replicate these results if you are travelling to the UAE. There are some security chaps there with new ultra sensitive equipment (boys with new toys!). They have used this equipment with devastating effect recently. A man is behind bars for four years because he had 1 hundredth of a gram of cannabis on the sole of his shoe!!! There are many other cases, just google, Now as a resident of london that causes me grave concern. I have no idea what i walk over when i am on business in the city. Further more, it is estimated that 90% of £20 notes in london have traces of cocaine on them!

winch control

flapsforty put it a little more eloquently than I will. You are talking out of your asshole.

edited to add Flapsforty, fair call, subject deleted.

Was on anti-depressants on my intial employment, along with a course of benzos - aviation doctor was very open to discussion and saw my medical records and we had a great open and honest chat. He noted my honesty and we worked as a team firstly to slowly wean me off the medication and provide lifestyle alternatives. The use had occured due to the deaths of a couple of close friends.

Generally anti-depressants (benzos do) dont show up in drug screenings, but honesty is always the best policy if taking any medication.

Provided the treatment isnt for anything clinical then you should be ok.

Flaps, so its easy, just admit to cough medicine (72hrs) and your in! Or maybe the screening process actually works, god forbid!
I concurr with the codeine, but would you not declare it before a medical?
If you are naive enough to do the medicine....should you be aircrew?

I believe flying and drugs dont mix, though for sure lots of people do it every day.
The bottom line? Book off, dont go for the interview...unless you are clean...

Hey flapsforty,

We cant help it. We love Dr.Phil! If only we had his salary!;)

Winch

Did you know about the bread rolls??

I do not consider myself naive and i did not know that there were opiates in cough medicine. Bye the way, the positive results indicated in such cases are trace amounts. You can't get away with using drugs and saying you took cough medicine, its like drinking 6 pints and telling the copper when you are breathalyzed that you have been using Gold Spot.

Ignore Winch people, he/she too is high....on ignorance!!!

This is a very common error when it comes to drug testing. It must also be remembered that a lot of prescribed drugs contain ingredients which are otherwise illegal but once they are controlled they are more then safe. Drug tests will pick up everything and therefore will show up. The pharmacist letter should be all you need however if it is not, then you could have a very good case for a lawyer!!! LOL!

Flapsforty,

Haven't you noticed that by telling people "not" to comment about a particular issue, you're more likely to get more people comment about it?

You're better off ignoring it! :rolleyes: