After a positive drug test, you may not know what to do or how to cope. It can be a frightening and confusing time. However, it doesn’t have to change your life for the worse. There are ways you can manage and even fight against the charges you’re facing.
Legal assistance can help
The first step you may want to take is getting an attorney to help you through this difficult time. It can be challenging to understand the allegations you’re up against, and it can be tricky to handle a case like this on your own. Because a drug charge can significantly impact your life, it can be good to have someone by your side who might be able to minimize that impact.
Employment struggles
Unfortunately, under Florida law, some employers have the right to fire employees who come up positive in a drug test. However, while a drug conviction may remain on your permanent record, it doesn’t have to bar you from moving on with your life.
A drug charge will not necessarily stand in your way of getting a new job. Usually, an employer must have a legitimate excuse not to hire you. They cannot refuse to hire you simply because of a past offense. So, don’t let a positive drug test keep you from searching for new opportunities.
Rehabilitation programs are available
The penalties of a positive drug test can be harsh. But in some circumstances, you may be eligible for drug rehabilitation programs.
Often, these programs are available in lieu of serving jail time. They exist to help offenders get the treatment they need and prevent any abusive drug behavior from reoccurring.
Building a viable defense
Even with positive results, the outcome of your drug test may not have been accurate. Sometimes, it can be possible for a drug test to trigger a false positive. Also, doctors, nurses and lab technicians are not immune to human error. It is possible to build a defense against a drug charge, even when it seems like the evidence is stacked against you.
A positive drug test doesn’t have to derail your life. These options and more can help you overcome a drug charge and get your life back on track.