EosJupiter wrote on Jul 29^th, 2006 at 11:39pm:


The information is probably intended for yet another CIA hopeful, who is mortified by the polygraph aspect of the interminable application process!

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I hope its not for an agency in the IC!  lol 

alterego1 wrote on Jul 28^th, 2006 at 2:06am:



This would be especially hilarious in the case in the case of applicants to IC agencies, which all have a paranoid anti-drug use policy.   

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Probably not. Why are you going to take a polygraph?

I'm going to take a polygraph and I have recently used methamphetamine. Will that affect the results?

The conventional wisdom in the polygraph field is this:

Do not deviate from your routine.

In my ten years as a polygrapher, I have had many subjects say something like "I skipped my meds today because I didn't want them to screw up the test."

That's not a good idea.

Skipping prescribed meds sets up the subject for an inconclusive result -- or worse -- in my opinion.

What is the person taking a polygraph test was prescribed the medication to be taken every day. Most people diagnosed with ADD/ADHD take meds every morning such as adderall.

Is it ok for them to take their meds the morning of the test and will it help them or hurt them on the test. 

Lets assume it is for employment purposes as several people have already touched basses on that.

This is part of a mock case given to me by a police officer, since I myself wish to become a cop. The suspects' mother is demanding a polygraph, and is also suspected to be in on the crime. The mother happens to be a nurse and is convinced that her daughter will pass the polygraph. This is despite the numerous evidence against the daughter.

The question I was required to answer was what chemicals substances the mother may try to give the daughter to help her pass the polygraph. 

I'm fairly certain that if you did go the the polygraph under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol it would be fairly simple to spot. But, to answer the question it was required to find out what perscription, or non-perscription, drugs may be used.

From what I have found, many thanks to the people on this site, the most likely taken substances would be: anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, muscle relaxers, ADD/ADHD medication and blood preasure medication.

To go further from what this site has told me, the type of questions asked, like control questions, the medical countermeasures would be useless.

I'm very thankful for both the help, and the information given by this site and it's members.

Alterego1,

In theory I tend to agree with your analysis of going into a polygraph exam “tweaked” on valium or other prescription drugs to help create a relaxed and lackadaisical state. 

However, if the polygraph exam is a pre-employment with any law enforcement agencies, of federal agencies such as with the FBI, you will certainly be drug tested prior to the polygraph. If you are taking muscle relaxants without a prescription, they will be detected in the pre-employment urinalysis. Thus, you will not be hired by the agency as a result of a “hot” drug test.

If the polygraph is due to anything other than pre-employment purposes, meaning some type of suspected criminal activity, then you shouldn’t agree nor submit to the polygraph exam. If you are already a suspect in a criminal case, then the polygraph can and will be used to further cast doubt on your character regardless whether or not you are innocent or guilty. 

In my opinion, taking drugs will not serve you favorably in any situation, especially in a polygraph. I think rather than clouding your mind with the effects of drugs, you would be better off going in to a polygraph exam with a clear mind, and being in full control of your thoughts, feelings, and reactions when being interviewed by the polygraph examiner. 

Even if the drugs would help you with the actual polygraph exam, the examiner is very likely to detect your dilated pupils and possible slowed reactions caused by the relaxants.

I don’t see anything to gain by taking drugs to help pass a polygraph regardless of the purpose being tested. Likewise, in the event you may actually pass the polygraph, it would be ironic if you failed the interview not because of failing the polygraph, but rather as a result of the drugs you would be taking.

Good luck.

v/r
Triple x

sora-chan,

If I may ask what are you going to use this information for and if it is a clinical study, Could you post the criteria on which you are asking for the information. Or at least a link to the research rational. 

Regards ....

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I see where you're coming from regarding the drug testing issue, but what do you base the above assertion on??  If someone is tweaked out on muscle relaxers or narcotic pain pills, they are probably going to go into the test in a very relaxed and lackadaisical state.  And as it has been said over and over on this site, fear and anxiety is an essential element for the polygraph to "work."   

sora-chan

Taking any type of prescription medication prior to a poly can prove risky... If the examinee is taking a pre-employment polygraph, a drug test always precedes the poly.

If not a pre-employment poly, taking valium or any type of muscle relaxer will only increase the likelihood of a failed result. I think remaining focused and keeping a clear head throughout a polygraph exam is the smartest method.

triple x

That is an ADHD med right? Would an ADD med be tried as well?

Thanks underlyingtruth!

Adderall

Yea, that and Alcohol would probally be detected. But, even if they don't work I need to find what attempts are made. 

What I've found to add to my list:

diazepam (Valium) or methylphenidate (Ritalin)

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Thank you alterego1 for your advice.

Lol.....methamphetamines and cocaine before a poly?????  That's some funny shit. 

Now a valium or some type of muscle relaxer......that would make much more sense. 

I'm trying to do some research on medical countermeasure used to pass a polygraph. I'm not really concerned if they work or not, I'm just trying to find out all methods that are tried.

From research so far I have found that people try taking anti-anxiety medication (i.e. meprobamate or Ativan), anti-depressants, alcohol, cocaine or meth, diazepam (Valium) or methylphenidate (Ritalin), muscle relaxers, Adderall, and blood pressure medication. I hope to find more. Can anyone point out places to look?

P.S. I currently have the book in acrobat open, and have read most of the countermeasure parts.

Thanks to anyone willing to help.