What Drugs Are Tested for in a DOT Drug Screen?

The DOT 5 drug test is a five-panel drug test originally used by the Department of Transportation to test its employees for use of illicit substances. Now, private corporations use this test as well. By using a sample of urine, the DOT 5 tests for the metabolites that are used in processing amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, opiates and phencyclidine (PCP).

Amphetamines

• Amphetamines represent a wide array of stimulants, ranging from legal to illegal substances. An amphetamine is a stimulant that causes increased brain alertness and physical stimulation. Prescribed amphetamines include Dexedrine, Adderall, and Vyvanse. In a DOT test, a valid prescription for these medicines will negate any punishment for having these amphetamines. Other amphetamines include methamphetamine and dextroamphetamine.

Cocaine

• Cocaine, also referred to as coke and blow, is a stimulant; however, it is not part of the amphetamine family. Cocaine is processed from the leaf of the coca plant that grows in South America. For hundreds of years people used it for its medical benefits and stimulant properties. Cocaine passes through the body very quickly; however, the metabolites used to process the cocaine stay in your body for an average of eight days.

Marijuana

• Marijuana is also tested for with the DOT drug test. Marijuana is a psychoactive drug that contains the chemical compound THC. THC uses metabolites to clear it through the system. These metabolites are stored in fat, taking longer for the metabolites to clear from your system as compared to other drugs.

Opiates

• Opiates represent a variety of different drugs, ranging from illegal to medically prescribed drugs. Loritab, Percacet and Vicoden are all opiates that are legally prescribed. Heroin, a derivative of opium, is highly addictive and illegal. Heroin, also referred to as angel, is normally injected through the vein. Opiates are central nervous system suppressants and are used to dull sensory receptors in the brain.

PCP

• The DOT test also looks for the metabolites of PCP. PCP was originally used as an anesthetic during the 1950s and became a problem drug in the 1960s. Today, all forms of PCP are illegal. PCP makes users mimic the symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and extreme mania. Because PCP disassociates feelings of pain to the brain it is known as the superman drug, as individuals are able to survive major injuries during the "high," including gunshots.