I take suboxone and my drug test tested positive for opiates

[kells838]

I take suboxone twice daily. I took a drug test today which tested positive for opiates. How is this possible and what can I do to prevent this?

[nursegirl6572]

There can be many reasons for a false positive test.  Sometimes, certain urine cup tests can give false positives.  If you know you didn't take what they're saying showed up, then insist on a retake with a blood test.  

[YesLife4Me]

I went in for a drug test once when I was at the pain management center and tested positive for methadone. At the time, since I was so new to the PMC I had no idea what that even was.  I replied no, what the heck is that?  I think she thought I was making that up because she never answered me.  Just made a note in my chart.  When I couldn't make it in for another drug test, she mentioned that I had tested positive for something else another time and my refusal to come in, they were dropping me.  (I wasn't refusing, I could not get away from work).  At the time I was so furious!  But now I understand that they have their protocol to protect their dispensing license.  

Since then, I have learned so much about addiction and all the different kinds of opiates and interactions with over the counter meds.  Actually, I am still learning a lot, much of it on here from experienced users.  Then I go look it up and learn more about it.  

[VICourageous]

Ya!!!I forgot about the Herbal things doing that ...Very good...I have to laugh because I know addicts who also use natual things so they do not come out positive. See we learn so much for each other...
Thanks barb
vickie

[BarbRTR]

I don't know anything about Subs either, but had an experience 4 years ago, before I was ever prescribed pain meds, in which I "failed" a drug test.
I was on Xanax, and the Dr did random screens. He came in and said I tested positive for several opiates, a couple in which I had never even heard of.
Knowing I had no such thing in my system, I insisted on a blood test. Those can tell exact levels. I was so adamant to take the blood test, the Dr said not to worry about it. He actually said certain tests cause false positives. And also interactions with OTC and herbal medicines can cause a false reading.

This may not be the issue, depending on your last opiate dose, or problems with subs as Vickie said, but if you know it's incorrect, ask for a blood test.

[nursegirl6572]

Yes, when was the last time you took an opiate?  Have you taken any other medication, even OTC meds?

[VICourageous]

How many days, months have you been clean from opiates? They take awhile to clean out of the body.  I have read some other posting about this. Someone posted here a while back more into details, hang in and they will roll in....Keep up the good work..It is the first step into recovery..
God Bless
vickie