I’m in a tough custody battle for my son. His father and I used to do cocaine and drink together after he was born, which I regret deeply. He quit cocaine and wanted me to as well, but it was tough because it was around me at work (I was a bartender). We split up in April 2022, and since then, our son has been living with me, with his father having him for sleepovers a few times a week.
In August 2022, his father took him for a sleepover and didn’t bring him back, filing for full custody. I’ve been on temporary orders, with supervised visits and regular drug testing. I’ve been sober for one year, five months, and two weeks now. But here’s the issue: I’ve taken hair follicle tests at 5 months, 8 months, and 1 year and 1 month sober, and I still tested positive for cocaine.
Today, we got new court orders saying I’ll get one night a week and every other weekend if I pass a hair follicle test this Friday. I should pass since I’ve been sober for so long, but I’m really nervous I won’t, especially because the last test should have been negative but was still positive.
I’ve done counseling, stayed sober without any problems, changed my career to childcare, and stopped bartending. But these positive tests make everyone think I’m still using, which is frustrating and hurtful. I want my son home with me more than anything. Does anyone know why I’m still failing these tests even though I haven’t used? And what can I do about it?