Athletes and Drug Tests

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The majority of athletes are required by their organization or school to undergo random drug tests on occasion. Drugs tested for include things like performance-enhancing drugs (e.g., steroids, growth factors), narcotics, cannabinoids (e.g., marijuana, CBD oil), and diuretics. Depending upon the policy, a failed test could mean mandatory programs, fines, suspension, or even a ban.


The use of performance-enhancing drugs (“doping”) is the main focus of athlete testing. Doping has occurred since ancient times, well before organized sports began.¹ In 2009, the NCAA reported that 9296% of sports programs across all divisions performed random testing on athletes.² In 2018, former professional athletes estimated that at least 80% of players had used marijuana either medically or recreationally.³


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The simple answer: yes. State-based organizations like colleges are expected to comply with constitutional protections regarding athlete liberty and appeals processes with regard to drug test results. Private organizations typically require athletes to consent to drug testing before joining, and they can develop their own policies.


Concerns about performanceenhancing drugs and athlete conduct may be legitimate, but there are issues with drug testing as a solution. Test results can lead to discrimination regardless of legal status. For example, a positive marijuana test could lead to a player being dropped from a team, even if it’s legal to use in that region. For student athletes, a positive drug test could mean the loss of a scholarship or even expulsion from school.


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Urine testing is the most commonly used method and covers the widest range of drugs. Samples are usually processed within a few days, but a rapid test can give results within a few hours. Saliva testing is quick and non-invasive. Unlike urine tests, saliva tests can detect drugs used within the last few hours before the test. Hair follicle testing takes a while to process, but it can provide more longterm information about past drug use. Traces detected in hair samples can reveal use up to 90 days before the test.


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Detox drinks: Flush your system for urine tests. Shampoos: Wash away traces of drug use from your scalp for hair follicle tests. Oral products: Use mouth washes, gums, or other oral products that neutralize key chemicals. Synthetic urine products: Provide a guaranteed drug-free sample for testing with clean, synthetically produced urine.


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Detox drinks: Rescue Cleanse (17 or 23 oz.), One Shot Concentrate, Quick Clear (20 oz.) Shampoos: ClearChoice shampoo, Dr. Greens Wash Away detox shampoo Oral products: Dr. Greens Cool Rinse mouth wash, Oral Clear gum Synthetic urine products: Synthetic urine concentrate kit, SPIKE! urine additive, The Urinator synthetic urine container


Clear Test is a company dedicated to preserving the privacy and individual freedoms of athletes and employees of all kinds. Our customers trust our detox and synthetic urine products to pass all manner of drug tests safely and reliably. Learn more about how to pass a drug test at www.cleartest.com.


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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4140700/ https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/09/27/more-collegesusing-random-drug-testing-athletes https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2018/04/20/former-nbanfl-athletes-estimate-marijuana-use-players-high/536254002/


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