Mandatory Drug Screening Pros & Cons

Job candidate drug screenings used to be common only in certain professions, such as high-security government jobs and the pharmaceutical industry. Nowadays, however, mandatory screenings are becoming the vetting tool of choice for many employers, and they're even being used in some schools. Drug screening tends to bring up strong feelings; some feel they are necessary to weed out undesirable applicants, and others say they violate individual rights.

Encourages Appropriate Behavior

• One "pro" of mandatory drug screenings is that they encourage appropriate behavior among job applicants, students and some argue, society at large. People may be less likely to use illicit substances if they may be tested for drugs before applying for a position. Screenings are also an incentive for substance abusers to get help, since they know they'll be unable to find a job (that requires screening) unless they do. Students who don't want to risk being disciplined or expelled are also encouraged by regular drug screenings to resist peer pressure and other influences that lead to drug abuse.

Weeds Out Addicts

• Some employers simply don't want to hire drug users and find that mandatory screenings are the solution. They may also have regular drug tests while an individual is already employed to maintain a drug-free environment. Likewise, schools want to find student drug users so they can be removed from the student populace. School administrators fear users will encourage other students to do the same.

Invades Privacy

• There is also much to be said for the "cons" of mandatory drug screenings. One argument is that they don't respect the individual's right to privacy against unauthorized search and seizure, which is part of the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. Employees may resent having their personal lives intruded by mandatory drug screenings and may not want employers to know they are battling an addiction. Students may become upset when their lockers and backpacks are searched, revealing items they don't wish to share with others.

Limitations

• Finally, drug screenings have limitations, especially when searching for evidence of specific chemicals. Prescription medications, legal herbal supplements and other treatments can cause false positives in drug tests. False readings can erroneously implicate an individual of using illegal drugs.