Korean Job Discussion Forums

[SpiralStaircase]

I�ve been teaching in Korea for three years. Well known in the community; successful in my position. I�ve been using a prescription drug since early childhood to correct a sleeping disorder that has plagued many members of my family. Without it, I simply do not sleep. The drug is a mild sedative called elavil. In large doses, it can also be used to treat depression.

I was to go home early December but after some convincing, I agreed to stay with the school and in Korea for one more year.

I brought my prescription with me to the test. Gave it to the doctor. Tested positive for something (I�m not sure what, the doctor handed the results to my co-teacher and I was given a half assed explanation) and have been told I must return within 10 days times to repeat the test. I do not use any drugs nor do I have access to them. Heck, I don�t even drink.

Stopping the drug is not an option. I looked into the lifespan of the drug and found out it can remain in your system for 26 days.

I find it hard to believe that something as simple as a prescription sleeping drug that I have used and since childhood could warrant early dismissal. Blatant ignorance if you ask me. I�m also concerned about the message this sends to other teachers. If teachers with sleep or mood disorders feel compelled to play with their prescription meds just to pass an obviously flawed drug test, consequences could be severe.

Suggestions? Thoughts?
Am I going home?

[DrOctagon]

If you've been here for three years then you've obviously passed drug tests before. There has to be an error in the test. You should find out what drug showed up on the test. I can't really help you anymore than that. I have a feeling that your retake will be fine. Just bring your prescription and make sure it's a good doctor who knows what he's doing.

[Chris_Dixon]

take your medicine with you? show it to the doctor maybe?

I cant imagine them being that stupid hehe, that would be very frustrating to have to go home because of that.

[SpiralStaircase]

This is the first time I have ever been required to take such a test. Last time I renewed was weeks before the changes took place.

Perhaps a different clinic would be best. I would assume that being on a drug that is known is cause these results and proving that I do need and take that drug would suffice. Obviously I was wrong. There must be a more thorough and accurate test out there. Here's hoping for a reasonable doctor.

[crescent]

Don't count on another test being more accurate. Until now, these tests were largely unheard of, and were usually performed by the police in obvious cases.

Yes, you can get a cellphone that tells you what street you're standing on... but good luck if you're looking for any sophistication in simple drug testing.
Remember, it's the evil english devil that spreads the illegal drug trade.

[Big Mac]

[Teelo]

Anyone got a list of what can show up as positive in these tests?

[traxxe]

Dude, just do what most people do who are sweating a result.

Drink a ton of water starting two days before the test to flush your system. Never use your first stream because it will have the most trace elements of whatever in it. Always fill the thing mid-stream... the beginning and end of the stream have the most particles in it you don't want detected.

Do that on TOP of everything else. Just to get a little extra chance at passing.

[dirkdiggler]

[plynx]

OP -

there were a few of these threads that showed up some months ago when i also went through the same situation. i was sick before my drug test and had taken over the counter sleep aids (nyquil and unisom - obviously not together). i told the doctor and he took note of it, but i still tested false positive. they told me that they knew all along i would fail my test and that the sleep aids were the definite cause. there's only ONE solution for you in this case - get off the meds for the required 26 days or so. you have 90 days after the start of your new visa (?) to get this done. take your time if you want to pass. if not, go home knowing that some of the new requirements are idiotic and you don't have to put up with them anymore.

[Tobias]

[jvalmer]

I once had to come in twice for a check. I think it was because I did my check on a Monday after a weekend of heavy drinking. So my liver showed some high levels of something. The next one was done about 2 weeks later and everything was normal.

[bassexpander]

You'd better find a motel to sleep in for the next several days.

Take all of your money out of the local band, and carry it with you.

The police will be waiting for you at work, so don't go there.

Lay low.... drink lots of cactus juice.

Don't shave for at least a week.



Listen to what others are saying. I'm just giving you crap. If it's a prescription med., and you can prove it and test clean after not taking it, then you'll be fine. It seems we've had more than a few false positives mentioned on this board before.

[cobright]

[NoExplode]

Yup, no matter what the reality, drug tests are really an unheard of thing for Koreans, so to them, you are already a druggie probably shooting up speedballsbetween classes. They figure you want an extra test now to try to cheat. Even if you pass (which you won't as you refuse to stop taking sleeping pills, dumb move), you're still gonna be known as the druggie foreign teacher).

And to tell the truth, you are a junkie. You are not supposed to take sleeping pills EVERY DAY. Ever. Didn't your doctor tell you that when he prescribed them to you? You should never take sleeping pills more than three days in a row, as they are addictive.

You have a serious drug problem if you can't even get off them when your job depends on it.