How to pass a urine test is pretty straightforward, but I’m constantly amazed by all the false information that’s out there being passed around. But if you’re feeling desperate about finding a way to pass a drug test, I can understand why you might be tempted to go with something that ’sounds good.’ And especially if this is your first time being tested, it can be really hard to tell the good info about how to pass a urine test from the bad.
Sometimes I feel like a preacher or something, I swear. But instead of getting up on a pulpit to rant about fire and brimstone and the wages of sin, I’m on a soapbox trying to get through to people that dilution is the only reliable way to pass a urine test. And instead of fighting Satan, my nemesis is a Mountain of Misinformation.
An Important Fact About Passing a Urine Test With Dilution
What about you? Have you heard about dilution and then just dismissed it as yet another weird theory about how to pass a urine test? Well, before you write it off, think about this: you know those detox drinks you can buy? That’s exactly how they work: DILUTION, plain and simple. Yes, I KNOW they claim to ‘cleanse’ your system, blah, blah, blah. But the harsh scientific reality is that you can’t detoxify your body to get rid of THC in a hurry – all you can do is temporarily detoxify your urine by flushing your kidneys with water. So the only thing detox drinks actually cleanse is your wallet, regardless of their marketing hype.
How Detox Drinks Work
When you read the directions on any commercial detox drink, every single one tells you to drink lots of water before drinking it. The reason why is because those companies know the truth – that dilution is the only way to pass a urine test in a hurry. But a good sales pitch can make common dirt sound like the answer to your prayers, so they have to make you believe that their products contain some secret potion that can miraculously wash THC out of your system. But the reality is that it’s the water you drink that temporarily ‘washes’ the THC out of your kidneys. All a detox drink does is provide you with the supplements you need in order to hide the fact that you’re diluting from the testing lab.
The Pros & Cons of Using a Detox Drink to Pass a Urine Test
Which isn’t to say that detox drinks never work, because they often do. The big problem with them is that they’re just not very reliable. They’re a one-size-fits-all solution for the average person, and because everyone’s metabolism is different, you just have no way of knowing in advance if you’re going to be average enough for them to work for you. In most cases you’re way better off just buying the same ingredients that are in those things and custom-making your own ‘detox drink’ at home. Every single ingredient in those drinks is something you can buy yourself in any health food store or major pharmacy.
Another good reason for making your own detox drink is that it gives you a chance to test yourself before taking your real test. With a commercial detox drink you don’t get a second chance, unless you buy a couple of them at fifty bucks or more a pop. Making your own happens to be a hell of a lot cheaper than buying a commercial drink, but I think for most people that’s not really a big consideration. After all, if you lose your job because you didn’t pass a urine test then it won’t really matter how much money you saved.
There’s information about how to make your own detox drink plastered all over this website, and a good place to start is by reading the tips in this post. But if you’re in a hurry and you just want it all in one place, then you might want to check out my ebook about how to pass a drug test.
But one damn good argument in favor of commercial detox drinks is that they’re just so easy. You drink lots of water and then chug down the bottle right before you go in for your urine test. Period, you’re done. If you pass, you just saved yourself some hassle. Making your own home brew means you have to buy the individual ingredients that will mask your dilution, and then you have to keep track of what you’re taking and how much water you’re drinking. So, some people just may not want to deal with it. I don’t recommend taking a chance on a commercial drink if you have a probation test, or if you absolutely, positively have to keep/get a job. But if failing your test wouldn’t be the end of the world, then I can see where someone might want to just get a commercial detox drink and be done with it. I’m so used to making my own brew now that I don’t have to think about it, but I think for some people it would just be too much of a hassle. I guess it just depends on your desperation level.
Home Remedies That Won’t Help You Pass a Urine Test
One thing I get asked about a lot is Sure-Jell, or Certo (same thing). Of all the home remedies out there about how to pass a drug test I think this is one of the most dangerous, because it actually does appear to work sometimes. But you know what? Whenever I’ve talked to someone that passed with Sure-Jell, every single person has told me that they also diluted. But most of the people I’ve talked to who used Sure-Jell didn’t pass, either because they didn’t dilute at all, or because they diluted too much and the testing lab failed them for it. If you’re thinking about using this method because someone you know passed with it, ask them to tell you exactly what steps they used. I bet you discover the same thing I did.
Another theory about how to pass a urine test that you’ve probably read about is taking huge amounts of niacin – and this one really makes me crazy. Not only is it useless for passing a drug test, you can actually cause permanent damage to your liver if you overdose on it. Which isn’t that hard to do when you’re taking like 100 times or more the recommended daily dose. This one got started years ago from a book written by the late L. Ron Hubbard (the founder of Scientology). The book was about a purification/detoxification program for drug addicts, among other things. I’m not saying niacin isn’t an important vitamin, but Hubbard thought it could basically cure cancer and save the world. But um, last I checked the guy never got any degrees in medicine or nutrition, so his advice is based on his opinion alone, not fact. And then there’s that whole Scientology thing. That’s all I’ll say about that…
And then there are other miracle cures: cranberry juice (diuretic, just makes you pee more), vinegar (changes the PH of your urine), etc. etc. etc. You get the idea. Believe me, I know it’s overwhelming when you see how much wildly different information there is on the net about how to pass a drug test. You’d think it’d be easy to find out, but man, it is not. In the end it comes down to an entirely personal decision, but when it comes to specifically how to pass a urine test, I hope I’ve at least given you some food for thought. I’m not saying there’s not good information out there, but before you choose a method to go with just take everything you read with a grain of salt, verify your sources, and above all, ask lots of questions.
May 26th, 2009 at 11:22 am
I smoked at least 3 blunts a day for a month and founded out I had a surprise Urine test 3 days prior. I drank tea,took Niacin, drank plenty of water, and ran a mile a day with a plastic bag on for 3 days. I passed!
May 27th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Dumb question…..
If you’re being tested for probation, can they detect those detox drinks in your system?
Thanks for all the great information everyone, my fear is dissapearing!
May 30th, 2009 at 4:20 am
DEE..
i took some ketamine on tuesday night and on next monday i m scheduled for an urine test.. i ve been taking ketamines for 4 months on each saturday night ONLY…do u think i can pass?or shall i dilute my urine?really thanks and will really appreciate your help man!!
May 30th, 2009 at 5:09 am
Rick — I mainly just know about how to pass a drug test for pot, I don’t really know about ketamines. I seriously doubt dilution would do any good though, because it’s probably not stored in fat cells the way thc metabolites are. Hopefully it’s like coke and is out of your system in a few days, cuz then you wouldn’t have to worry about it, since you’ll have like a week after your test. Good luck, man.
May 30th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Hi Dee,
Im a pretty skinny guy (145 lb, 6′1″) and have been smoking a little budd once a week until I quit last week. Do you think I will be clean in 30 days?
May 30th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Hi Dee,
Im a pretty skinny guy (145lb 6′1″) and have been smoking a little budd once a week until I quit last week. Do you think I will be clean in 30 days?
May 30th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Hello Dee, I’m in pain management. I got a urine test dropped on me over a year ago, which I tested positive for pot. The Dr. cut me some slack “just this once”. I take morphine for severe back pain, which really messes with my stomoch and /or appetite sometimes. I found smoking a little pot every day helped a lot. After being told however that I would no longer be able to receive pain meds if I tested possitive again, I went without. After not being tested again for a year, I started smoking occassionally again. To cover myself I brought a flask of fake urine that I had bought several years ago with me on my next visit. I do have to test positive for opiates, so I put a very small amount of one of my pills into the fake urine, (actually over a year ago so it was well dissolved). Of course, I got tested! Color and temp were fine. However, two weeks later I got a call on my answering machine from the nurse telling me to come in and bring my meds!! Can I be in legal trouble for using the fake urine? I can’t call them back til I know. Or is it possible that the lab found too much morphine in my sample? I know both these questions are difficult ones, but please help me if you can. No longer smoking again!! Thanks!!
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:23 am
I was a really heavy smoker about 3 2 4 blunts a day. I have not smoked in 22 days I am going to be random drug screened 2 2 3 times a week. I have to pass failing is not a option. Please help
June 5th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
I’ve only smoked a handful of times in my life, but I have a drug test this coming tuesday.. about 3 days away. The past two weekends I took a few hits, but didn’t get high at all, so i’m guessing i didn’t really do much. I plan on drinking a lot of water and working out.. what are my chances of passing since I don’t really smoke that much but have done so recently?
June 6th, 2009 at 5:35 am
Hello Dee, I was at the drug store the other day looking for an at-home drug test and other than the expensive one-time use drug tests all they had were ketone reagent test strips. Do these detect THC in the urine?
June 7th, 2009 at 6:18 am
hey cna you please help!!
my friend is gettin a drug test tomorrow he just found out for a new job!! he doesnt smoke but has done pot a couple of time last time he did it was exactly a week ago what can he do????
June 10th, 2009 at 11:16 am
I’ve been a heavy smoker for the last 13 years, I quit about a month ago with one case of poor judgement about two weeks ago. My test is tomorrow and I’ve been drinking tons of water. I don’t have any Vitamin B12 or B2. Judging from what I’ve read I’m using the dilution method. Is there ANYTHING else I can do?
(P.S. I was a poly drug user, specifically methamphetamine and cocaine hydrocloride. Once again I quit about a month ago.) Probationary Urinalysis
June 11th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
I have smoked two hits in the past two weeks. Do you think I can pass a test tomorrow (the last one hit I did was 6 days ago)?
June 15th, 2009 at 9:41 am
hi i smoked stoped smoking last wednesday but took one hit last night, and befroe i stoped i smoked on the regular, i have little to no body fat and workout daily, i leave for the army july first i have been worrying about passing all week and have been drinking water only for the past week do u think i will pass in two weeks , if not can i have some tips on how to thanks
June 17th, 2009 at 10:30 am
i smoked a blunt and a bowl last friday, and i have to take a drug test either tommorow or friday (6 or 7 days) this was the only weed i have smoked this month
should i dilute or do you think im ok
June 17th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Noam,
If by ‘this month’ you mean in the last 30 days, you might be okay. But if you mean just since the beginning of June, then you could have a problem. Just depends on how regular of a smoker you were before, and what your metabolism is like. Sorry I can’t be more specific, but we’re all different and there’s just no way for me to know for sure.
June 17th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
Hi Dee – love your site!!
I was a regular smoker for years but haven’t smoked for 3 and a half months. I’ve been passing my UA’s but I hit a joint about 3 times – not hydro or anything – regular to low grade – I have a test about 10 days from the time I smoked. I’ve got a heavy build – about 5′10 and 220…I’ve been drinking some water and going to the steam room at the gym and working out though only a tiny bit…should I pass?
Thanks in advance for any help!
June 18th, 2009 at 8:18 am
Shay, I’d say you’ve got a good shot at passing, but you’re going to want to get a few home test strips and start using them a couple of days before your real test. That’s the only way you’ll know for sure!
June 18th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Hi Dee, i have been a every day smoker for two years until i quit for a month,
after that i’ve smoked every other day for about a week and a half now i have 14 day to pass a drug test at the doctors for COLLEGE GRANTS!! am i going to be able to pass by drinking allot of water, niacin, and b-12?? PLease help it was un expected and my future is relying on this!!
June 19th, 2009 at 8:11 am
Dee-
Thanks so much!! I’ll let you know!
June 20th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
i’m someone who’s taken detox drinks….fake urine…had a friend pee in a bottle……and even gone in on nothing more than a ton of water. who knows for sure about the detox drinks…..i know i always feel nervous no matter what. in my mind….drinking 2 cups of coffee followed by 2-3 gallons over a couple of hours right before u go in seems to work. I mean i know i was hella dirty….even have smoked as much as an hour before i went in. My best advice….go find a job u really don’t want but u know will drug test u…..and pick ur top passing agent and see what happens. If u’ve read most of what this guy’s sayin…….everything mearly dilutes……..i add the coffee just to keep alil color in my urine……while ur peeing pretty clear, u should be fine ( educational only …reader waves right to sue lol)
June 20th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
I have a drug swab test on Wednesday Afternoon and today is Saturday. I haven’t smoked since Friday at 1am. Will I pass my test without a detox drink or do i just need to stay clean and rinse with peroxide?
June 22nd, 2009 at 8:53 am
I havn’t smoked in a since february, but at a party on saturday night took about four hits off the end of a joint. I have a urine test on wednesday afternoon for a job. will i be o’kay? i’m freaking out!! just need some reassurance
June 22nd, 2009 at 8:57 am
Oh yea, and i’m about 5′8 150 lbs, female… normally exercise on a regular basis, pretty healthy . . . i wasn’t sure if i should go to the gym for the next two days or wait till after the test. I know they say biproducts will be released into blood and urine with exercise… but you should stop exercising 48 hrs before??
June 23rd, 2009 at 4:12 pm
I recently quit smoking to pass a UA. I’m 5′11/200 pounds. I last smoked the night of June 13th but before then had smoked prob 6 bowls a day for the past few years. I’ve been running a few miles almost every day, taking some niacin, drinking plenty of water, etc. I received the test today and probably have to take it by saturday which would be two weeks since i last smoked. I didn’t expect to have to take it so soon and figured i had a little more time but i can’t really stall on this. Any chance i’ll actually pass this test?
June 23rd, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Chris, I wouldn’t be optimistic about passing by Saturday. You’re definitely gonna need to dilute, substitute, or something.
June 24th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
im 6′0 160 pounds im 16 and i smoke quit a bit. my mom is starting to test me on surprise every few weeks. i can stall for a couple hours before the test. What should i do?? do multivitamins work and if so how many do i take?
June 25th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I have been using pot reguarlly (about two ta three bowls a day)for about six months, I just found out that i need to take a pee test for probation. I havent smoked in two weeks and by the test I will have been clean for eighteen days. Ive been excercising as much as possible,drinking alot of water and energy drinks. Also I have started to saturate my system with creatine. I plan to dilute the night before and morning of my test as well as taking creatine to hopfully give my pp the right levels. What would be your suggestions for my situation? Do i have a chance of passing?
June 25th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
ive been smoking atlest 3 grams a day for the passed 3 months, i got to pass a test in a week, im drinking alot of water and i heard that the xxx vitamin water helps, would a detox drink help?
June 28th, 2009 at 8:36 am
Chris, a detox drink would certainly be better than nothing, because a week won’t be long enough for you to get clean.
June 30th, 2009 at 8:27 am
hey watsup guys,
i have a test commin up in 30 days and i’ve been smoking weed almost everyday for the past 2 months.
would i have a chance at passing without diluting my urine the day of the exam?
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:23 pm
alright i have a test coming up i smoked about 10times this month usually a gram joint or a few bowls for the passed month had 1 hit like 3days ago..i have a test comming up in a week..i was thinking about using my friends urine..the urine WILL NOT be checked for temperature there just checking to see if im negative or positive..my question is…if i got urine from a friend in a bag and poured it into the test will it come up as negative if the urine is still cold? (or does it have to be body temperautre) once again the urine is not being checked for temperature the test its self is just being looked at to see if its negative or positive
July 3rd, 2009 at 7:56 pm
hey dee i just stumbled accross ur site i would really value your info so here gos, iv been on probation for 2 and a half years i smoke for a most a week right after i report then i stop iv never had a dirty, on the1st i went to do my ua and it came back deliute by accident needless to say i had smoked (probably around a 8th of dro) i have to go back on the 5th and give anther test iv been drinking cranbery juice ( i know it wont clean me out but just for good measure) and i have a scrip for adderal iv been pooping like candy despite how unsafe that is. i thinkk i will have to dilute and buy a couple days then i should b good but my main question is does the amphethmien help? and u think il b clean? i hope to hear from you soon thanks alot.
July 5th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Jeff,
You’re right, if you can buy a couple of days you’ll probably be just fine. As far as the adderal goes, that won’t help you pass a drug test if that’s what you’re thinking. Plus, if they test for amphetamines that could be a problem.
July 5th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Joe,
As far as the actual testing goes, the temp doesn’t matter. If you’re absolutely certain that it won’t be checked for temperature, then you should be fine.
July 7th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Dee,
Quick question. I have to take a urine test by friday the 10th for a job, and i neeeeeed to pass. Regardless, last I smoked would be two weeks prior to the test and I hadn’t smoked for over a month before that. Im about 5′11 155 with a fairly quick metabolism, took 3 days of a 7 day detox kit from GNC, and am about to start a two day detox drink. I’m drinking water, etc. Think I have a good shot?? Thanks for your help
July 8th, 2009 at 3:57 am
dee i smoked a half a blunt with one other person on the 21 of june and havent smoked since the test me on the 7th of july what do you think will happen since its the first time in 4 years that i smoked and havent smoked since please reply asap
July 8th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Hello Dee,
I just wanted to say that your site help the most. I have not smoked for about 4 years before that every day for 10 years. I had a job that would random test. So I just didn’t smoke., but 2 months ago I quit and started looking for another job of course every job just about drug test. Well I took a couple of hits in the beginning of may and had a drug test at the end of June. I wasn’t really worried about passing that one. But on Sunday this past week. I took a couple of hits and I had to take a drug test today. I knew at about noon that I would have to take one and I took it at about 3:45 today. I was pretty scared, I drank like 3 32 oz of water one 32 oz of tea, and a red bull. On Monday I actually only drank tea and water and I didn’t eat, I basically fasted. My pee was a faint yellow all most clear, she didn’t say nothing about it. I am just hoping I passed. I will know in about 24 hours. Let you know how it ends up.
Thanks
July 9th, 2009 at 10:34 am
Hello Dee,
I’ve been looking over your site and am about 10 minutes away from buying your ebook because I am so desperate. I am 27, about 150lbs, and do not exercise much if any at all. I have smoked pot almost every day, several times a day for more than 5 years, smoking almost exclusively chron for almost a year. I just found out today that the PIZZA DELIVERY job I have had for almost 2 years is going to have to UA everyone because there’s been a report to OSHA of minors and the asst. manager smoking on the clock. All I know at this point is that the chain’s lawyers have to report their findings back to OSHA by the 27th of this month. I’m terrified I’m going to lose my job, and am unsure if I even have the willpower to not smoke while awaiting this test. I am going to begin diluting most likely today, and do have an amble supply of vitamin B on hand (my family has a history of VB deficiency.) There’s that and the slight chance that I could get a med mj license before then. I don’t suppose if you know if employers honor those licenses?
July 9th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Dee,
I am not a regular smoker at all. I may smoke once every 2 or 3 months if that, and only a few hits. I indulged in a few hits on July 4th. Then bam, it is announced that my company just got bought by another company and they will definitely be re-testing all of us. I am 6′1″/180 lbs, muscular build. Work out quite regularly ( 4 to 5 times a week cardio and weights).
I stay hydrated regularly because I’m active and it’s hot as hell in Texas. I drink lots of water, green tea and one cup of coffee in the morning ( even when I haven’t smoked). I am pretty sure they will get around to testing us sometime next week, July 13 to 17. What should I do, if anything?
July 9th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Nihane,
First, to answer your question about whether or not employers honor med mj permits, the answer is yes and no. Since it’s still illegal on the federal level it’s up to the individual employer to decide, so they’re not obligated to, unfortunately.
If you’ve been looking over my site then you may have noticed that I tell people not to bother drowning themselves with water until the day of your test. But as long as you have at least a few hours notice, you should be able to go through the dilution process without any problem.
Man that SUCKS that you’re getting a drug test for a pizza delivery job, because usually that’s one of the few jobs where you don’t have to worry about it!!! I hope everything turns out ok for you…
July 9th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Rey,
You don’t need to worry about passing. If you only smoke occasionally like you described, then you’re already clean. FYI, if you’re basically a non-smoker it only takes a few days.
July 10th, 2009 at 8:16 am
Thank you so much for your concern! I went in and shared what info I found here with a few of my coworkers whom I know appreciated it. I do realize the “day of” is the important part, BUT, I have NO idea when this is going to take place. It could be today, tomorrow, next week, or the 26th. I’m hoping I’ll find out more about it today. I really think a vindictive former employee was the one who made the call to OSHA.
Why can’t we stoners just be left alone? If somebody had gotten hurt I could understand, but damn, my store has the possibility of losing a LOT of people because of one person’s inability to cope with a new management team. I am planning on buying your ebook after payday, which is Tuesday ;)
Thanks again!
July 13th, 2009 at 4:45 am
I am 6′4″ 180. I was clean for a month before I smoked last Tuesday, and I have a drug test this Tuesday. I have a fast metabolism with little body fat. I passed two At Home Drug Tests one in the afternoon and the other when I woke up in the morning (both with very faint lines). I have been somewhat active this past week and have been taking Vitamin B and drinking lots of water. What does anyone think my chances are?
July 13th, 2009 at 4:48 am
BTW what I was smoking was mid-high grade, and I only smoked two small bowls between 2-3 other people.
July 16th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
i have a piss test tomorrow at 3pm and tomorrow will be 6 days clean. I have been drinking lots of water in the past 3 days (about a gallon a day) and have been drinking cranberry juice and gatorade. I also have QCARB. Do I have a shot. Its a job at a nursing home
July 16th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
oh yeah…I am 5′ 8″ and way 130 lbs.
July 16th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
im sorry…I smoke about 5 days a week
July 18th, 2009 at 10:56 am
I’ve smoked about 10 times within about 2 weeks. Before those 2 weeks I was clean for about 2 months. I got my (possible, not confirmed) UA mid-afternoon Monday July 20th. I havent smoked within the past 2 days & been drinking tons of water & plan of taking a detox drink on the day of the test. I’m 6ft & 230lbs, mostly muscle but Im not six-pack musclar.
Do I have a chance?
July 18th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Well… with an over-the-counter detox drink you’ve always got a chance, at least. But they don’t have a great track record for reliability, so if it’s REALLY important for you to pass your test you should take some extra steps if you’re going to go that route. Instead of one drink, buy two. PLUS a few single-panel testing strips. A couple of days before your real test (which in this case would be, like, today or tomorrow), just go through the whole process at home and then test yourself, because that’s really the only way you’re going to know for sure.
I don’t want to sound like I’m blatantly making a plug here, but seriously, if I were you I’d just get my e-book and follow the dilution method I recommend. It’s a lot more reliable than a detox drink.