Drug and Alcohol Testing While on Probation in Sacramento

Drug and Alcohol Testing While on Probation in Sacramento

If you’re on probation in Sacramento, chances are you’ll have to take regular drug and alcohol tests. These tests are used to monitor whether you’re staying sober and following the terms of your probation. Failing a test can have serious consequences like jail time or extension of your probation. So it’s important to understand how probation drug testing works and how to handle it responsibly.

Types of Probation Drug Tests

There are a few main types of drug and alcohol tests used for probation monitoring in Sacramento:

• Urine tests – These detect drugs and alcohol metabolites in your urine and are the most common type of test. Urine tests can detect drug use going back several days to over a month depending on the drug.
• Hair tests – Hair tests analyze a small hair sample to check for drug use patterns over months. They can detect most drugs up to 90 days.
• Blood tests – Blood tests directly measure alcohol or drugs currently active in the bloodstream. They detect very recent drug or alcohol use.
• Breathalyzer – Breathalyzers estimate your blood alcohol concentration by analyzing alcohol on your breath. They only detect very recent alcohol use.

Urine tests are used for most routine probation drug screening because they’re easy to administer and detect a wide range of drugs. Hair and blood tests tend to be more expensive so they’re used less often. Breathalyzers quickly check for alcohol use.

How Often Will I Be Tested?

How often you’ll be tested depends on the terms of your probation and your history. Many people on probation for drug-related offenses have to test 1-3 times per week or more. Testing frequency may decrease over time if you have clean tests. Surprise home visits or tests may happen too. For alcohol, testing is typically done on a surprise basis like during home visits.

Probation Drug Test Process

Here’s what you can expect when you go in for a probation drug test:

1. Check in at the testing center and provide your probation info.
2. You’ll be asked for a urine, hair, or blood sample. For urine tests, the bathroom will be supervised to prevent tampering.
3. The sample is sealed and sent to a lab for analysis. Results are shared with your probation officer.
4. The lab tests for a wide range of common illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine, meth, opioids and more.
5. Prescription drugs may also be tested for. Make sure your probation officer knows about any prescriptions you take.
6. If the test comes back positive for drugs or alcohol, your probation officer will be notified.

What Happens if I Fail a Probation Drug Test?

Failing a drug or alcohol test while on probation is bad news. At a minimum, the court will be notified and you may face:

• Increased frequency of testing
• More probation requirements like counseling or rehab
• Extension of your probation period
• Jail time

The consequences depend on the terms of your probation and the judge’s discretion. But expect strict penalties for failed tests, especially if you have a history of positives. Your probation may even be revoked entirely, meaning you’ll have to serve the rest of your sentence locked up.

How to Pass Probation Drug Tests

The only 100% sure way to pass probation drug tests is to avoid all illegal drugs and alcohol during your probation. But if you’re worried about passing an upcoming test, here are some tips:

• Stop using drugs/alcohol immediately – The sooner you quit, the faster drugs will leave your system.
• Avoid secondhand exposure – Secondhand marijuana smoke can cause positives. Avoid drug users.
• Test yourself at home – Buy at-home urine test kits so you know if you’ll pass.
• Drink fluids – Drinking extra fluids helps flush your system faster, though don’t overdo it right before your test.
• Exercise – Working out speeds drug metabolism so exercise regularly.
• Consider detox products – Detox kits and drinks may help remove drug traces but check with your probation officer before using.

There are also some sketchy tactics like using fake urine or adding adulterants to your sample. However, labs often check for tampering which could get you in serious trouble if caught. Don’t attempt it.

Sacramento Probation Drug Testing Locations

Most probation departments contract with local drug testing labs to handle screening. Some common locations in Sacramento include:

• Sacramento County Probation Department – 8745 Folsom Blvd #100, Sacramento, CA 95826
• Any Lab Test Now Sacramento – 4325 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA 95864
• Quest Diagnostics – Multiple locations
• LabCorp – Multiple locations
• ARCpoint Labs of Sacramento – 4325 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA 95864

Your probation officer will let you know where and when to test. Be sure to follow their instructions closely to avoid violations.

Probation Programs Related to Drug Testing

Sacramento courts offer some special programs that provide drug and alcohol treatment combined with strict testing instead of jail time. Testing is done frequently, sometimes daily. Programs include:

• Adult Drug Court – For nonviolent drug offenders. Intensive outpatient treatment and community supervision. Graduates can get charges dismissed.
• DUI Court – Repeat DUI offenders get treatment and monitoring in lieu of jail. Breathalyzers used.
• Mental Health Treatment Court – Supervised treatment for offenders with mental health issues. Drug testing included.
• Veterans Treatment Court – Substance abuse and mental health treatment for veterans. Must pass frequent drug tests.
• CART Court – Treatment for chronic alcohol offenders. Breathalyzers used.

These programs allow probationers serious about recovery to get clean and avoid jail time. But you’ll be monitored closely via frequent drug testing. Failure may still lead to jail time.

Getting Clean on Probation

Staying completely clean while on probation gives you the best chance of finishing probation successfully. But it’s not easy especially if you’re struggling with addiction. Here are some tips:

• Be honest with your probation officer – They can help you get treatment resources.
• Consider outpatient counseling or rehab – Having support and accountability helps.
• Attend recovery meetings – 12-step programs offer free peer support.
• Avoid people and places that trigger drug use.
• Pick up new sober hobbies and activities – Keep busy.
• Make lifestyle changes to reduce stress.
• Celebrate small wins and milestones in your recovery.

It’s normal to stumble in early recovery. Be accountable, learn from slip-ups, and get back on track quickly. With determination and the right support, lasting sobriety is possible.