If you’re on probation and currently using or considering using anabolic steroids, you may be wondering if they will show up on drug tests. After all, drug testing is a standard procedure for probation, and you don’t want to risk violating your probation order. In this article, we’ll explore the topic of steroid drug tests for probationers, including what types of tests are used, what steroids show up and for how long, and how much you can expect to pay for a steroid drug test.
What Types of Drug Tests Are Used for Probation?
Probation departments vary in their drug-testing procedures, but most require individuals to complete some form of drug testing as a condition of probation. Depending on your location and probation department, different types of drug tests may be used, including urine tests, hair follicle tests, blood tests, or saliva tests.
Urine tests are the most commonly used drug tests for probation, as they are cost-effective, non-invasive, and can detect recent drug use. Urine tests can detect a variety of drugs, including anabolic steroids, as well as illicit narcotics like heroin, cocaine, and marijuana.
Other types of tests, like hair follicle or blood tests, can detect drug use over a longer period but are less frequently used due to their cost and invasiveness.
Will Anabolic Steroids Show Up on a Urine Test?
The answer to this question is: it depends. While urine drug tests can detect anabolic steroids, not all steroid drugs are easily detected, and some may not show up at all on a standard urine test.
Anabolic steroids are classified as Schedule III drugs by the DEA, meaning they are considered controlled substances due to their potential for abuse and dependence. The most commonly used anabolic steroids, including testosterone, oxandrolone, and nandrolone, can be detected in urine tests. However, the detection window for steroids can vary depending on their half-life and other factors such as the steroid urine test kit that is being used.
For example, trenbolone, an anabolic steroid often used by bodybuilders to increase muscle mass and strength, may not show up on a standard urine drug test. Trenbolone has a short half-life and can pass through the body relatively quickly.
Some steroid drugs, like those used for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), may be prescribed by doctors and obtained legally. In these cases, the probation department may allow for medical exemption or require proof of prescription.
What Do 5-Panel and 12-Panel Drug Tests Include?
When you undergo a urine drug test, the lab will typically perform either a 5-panel or a 12-panel drug test. A 5-panel drug test will test for the most commonly abused drugs in the United States:
- Amphetamines
- Cocaine
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
A 12-panel drug test will test for the above five drugs as well as:
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Methadone
- Propoxyphene
- Methamphetamine
- MDMA/ecstasy
- Opioid painkillers, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone
Anabolic steroids are not typically included in a standard 5- or 12-panel drug test and require a separate, more specialized test.
How Much Does a Steroid Drug Test Cost?
The cost of a steroid drug test can vary depending on where you live and the type of test you need. Additionally, drug tests can be done in conjunction with a blood test or hair follicle test, which can increase your costs even further.
On average, a urine steroid test can cost anywhere from $50 to $150, while a hair follicle test can cost upwards of $500 or more.
Tips for Avoiding a Positive Drug Test
If you’re on probation and using anabolic steroids, here are some tips to avoid a positive drug test:
- Obtain a prescription for your anabolic steroid use if you’re using them for medical reasons.
- Stop using anabolic steroids at least 30 days before your drug test to minimize the likelihood of detection.
- Research the steroid drug test kit that your probation department uses, and avoid steroids that are known to be difficult to detect.
- Drink plenty of water to flush out your system before the test.
- Consider talking to your probation officer about your concerns and working to find a solution that works for both parties.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on probation, it’s important to be aware of the types of drug tests used, what types of drugs they can detect, and the potential consequences of failing a drug test. While anabolic steroids may not always show up on a standard drug test, it’s important to be cautious and take steps to avoid any potential issues. Remember, your probation officer is there to help you succeed, not to punish you for mistakes.