When it comes to alcohol and drugs in the workplace, there are many questions—and even more misconceptions. From how long alcohol and drugs stay in your system to whether there’s a quick way to “sober up,” it’s important to separate myth from fact.
At Integrity Sampling, we provide drug and alcohol testing services for businesses across Australia. We believe that education is a vital part of keeping workplaces safe and productive.
In this blog, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from employers and employees alike, in a bid to raise knowledge and reduce fallacies.
Frequently asked questions about workplace drug and alcohol testing
How long does alcohol stay in your body?
The answer depends on a several factors including the amount of alcohol consumed, your body weight, sex, metabolism and overall health. As a general guide, the liver processes approximately one standard drink per hour.
According to a recent article on msn.com, ‘One standard drink is typically defined as containing approximately 10 grams of pure alcohol. For instance, this might equate to a small glass of wine (125 ml at 12% alcohol by volume), a half-pint of beer (approximately 250 ml at 5% alcohol by volume), or a single measure of spirits (25 ml at 40% alcohol by volume).’
So, it really is a numbers game. In a simple example, if you drink two standard drinks per hour over four hours, it will take eight hours for your body to process the alcohol. However, remember this is only a guide, due to the many varying factors.
How long do drugs stay in your system?
Just like alcohol, how long drugs remain in your system varies depending on a range of factors. These include the substance, the amount used, how frequently it’s taken, your metabolism and other individual aspects. Importantly, it also depends on the method used to determine if drugs are in your system.
Here’s how two of the most common workplace drug testing methods compare:
- Urine testing can detect drug use that has occurred within the last 1 to 4 days, and in some cases, up to a week or longer. Approximate detection windows for urine tests:
- Cannabis (THC): Up to 10 days for occasional use; up to 30+ days for chronic users
- Methamphetamine: 2–5 days
- Cocaine: 2–3 days
- Opiates: 2–4 days
- MDMA (ecstasy): 3–4 days
- Saliva testing can detect recent use, typically within several hours. It’s often used in roadside testing and is Integrity Sampling’s recommended method for workplace drug testing. Approximate detection windows for saliva tests:
- Cannabis (THC): 12–24 hours
- Methamphetamine: Up to 48 hours
- Cocaine: Up to 1 day
- Opiates: Less than 24 hours
- MDMA: Up to 48 hours
Is there a way to sober up quickly after drinking or taking drugs?
This is one of the most common and persistent myths. So, let’s be clear from the start. There is no reliable or safe way to quickly sober up after using alcohol or drugs. Once a substance is in your bloodstream, the only factor that truly removes it is time.
Some people believe in various “quick fix” methods like:
- Drinking coffee
- Taking a cold shower
- Exercising or sweating
- Eating large meals
- Using detox kits or herbal cleansers
None of these methods will speed up your body’s process of eliminating alcohol or drugs. While they might make you feel a little more awake, they do not make you safer to drive or work. Nor do they reduce blood alcohol levels or clear drugs from your system.
How can I tell if I’m safe to drive or go to work?
The only reliable way to determine if you’re safe to drive or return to work after consuming alcohol or drugs is through drug and alcohol testing.
Impairment can vary widely from person to person and isn’t always obvious. For example, you might feel fine after a several drinks the night before, but your alcohol content could still be above the legal limit the next morning. Similarly, someone may not feel high after taking cannabis or certain prescription medications, but their concentration and motor skills may still be affected.
There are no guarantees without drug and alcohol testing. Even tools like cheaper personal breathalysers can be unreliable if they’re not properly calibrated or used correctly. That’s why at Integrity Sampling, workplace drug and alcohol testing relies on professional equipment, used by trained personnel, backed up by laboratory confirmation.
Why does my workplace test for alcohol and drugs?
Many businesses across Australia–and particularly those in safety-sensitive industries–implement drug and alcohol testing to help:
- Prevent accidents and injuries
- Protect workers and the public
- Meet legal and industry safety obligations
- Identify people who may need help with substance issues
By introducing a clear and consistent testing policy and procedures, companies send a strong message that safety comes first. No one wants to see a colleague get hurt because of impaired judgment.
What substances are most detected in workplace drug and alcohol testing?
While drug screening can be customised depending on industry and workplace requirements, workplace drug and alcohol testing commonly screens for the following substances:
- Cannabis (THC)
- Methamphetamines
- Amphetamines
- Cocaine
- Opiates (like heroin and some prescription painkillers)
- Benzodiazepines (often prescribed for anxiety or sleep disorders)
- MDMA (ecstasy)
- Alcohol
What happens if an employee returns a non-negative result?
When an employee returns a non-negative result on an initial on-site test, secondary testing is carried out. If this is also non-negative, analysis is then carried out in a certified laboratory for confirmatory testing. This ensures the result is accurate and legally defensible.
It’s important to remember that a non-negative on-site test is not a final result. For Integrity Sampling’s workplace drug and alcohol testing, our process ensures results are handled professionally, confidentially, and in line with best practice.
Need help managing alcohol and drug risks in your workplace?
At Integrity Sampling, we’ve been helping Australian businesses create safer work environments for over 20 years. We offer professional drug and alcohol testing services, advice on policy development, and education to support your safety goals.
Want to know more? Contact Integrity Sampling today to discuss how we can help your workplace manage alcohol and drug risks professionally, fairly, and effectively.
FEATURED IMAGE CAPTION:
How long does alcohol stay in your system? Is it safe to drive and work the morning after? Here are our FAQs on drug and alcohol testing.
Will you be safe to drive and go to work after finishing this beer? Credit Hayden Chalin https://unsplash.com/photos/a-glass-of-beer-sitting-on-top-of-a-wooden-table-DoUuQ89EIOY
