Someone recently asked what my position was on drug testing children / teenagers... Here is a brief version of my answer.
Based on the latest statistics most people who start using drugs do so in their early teens. The average starting age for heroin in many cities in the UK is just 15, and a survey of over 20,000 UK school children showed that 9% of 13 year olds and over a quarter (27%) of 15 year olds had used an illegal drug at some point in their lives.
So should a quarter of parents wait until their 15 year old children are already doing drugs before taking any action?
Testing gets all the cards on the table and opens up communication - showing that you are looking out for them and offering them a valid excuse when faced by peer pressure to do drugs.
I personally went through my late teens working in a forensics lab and my regular employee drug testing helped me avoid the numerous offers of drugs I received from friends of friends and when out socialising - all without losing any credibility, etc.
Visit http://www.drug-aware.com/home-drug-tests-faq for home drug testing frequently asked questions.
If you need further help / support:
In the UK, I would advise you to call Talk To Frank, the Government funded drugs / alcohol helpline on 0800 77 66 00 or http://www.talktofrank.com
In the USA, I would suggest you call Addiction Search toll free on 1-800-559-9503 or http://www.addictionsearch.com for someone to steer you in the right direction.
Based on the latest statistics most people who start using drugs do so in their early teens. The average starting age for heroin in many cities in the UK is just 15, and a survey of over 20,000 UK school children showed that 9% of 13 year olds and over a quarter (27%) of 15 year olds had used an illegal drug at some point in their lives.
So should a quarter of parents wait until their 15 year old children are already doing drugs before taking any action?
Testing gets all the cards on the table and opens up communication - showing that you are looking out for them and offering them a valid excuse when faced by peer pressure to do drugs.
I personally went through my late teens working in a forensics lab and my regular employee drug testing helped me avoid the numerous offers of drugs I received from friends of friends and when out socialising - all without losing any credibility, etc.
Visit http://www.drug-aware.com/home-drug-tests-faq for home drug testing frequently asked questions.
If you need further help / support:
In the UK, I would advise you to call Talk To Frank, the Government funded drugs / alcohol helpline on 0800 77 66 00 or http://www.talktofrank.com
In the USA, I would suggest you call Addiction Search toll free on 1-800-559-9503 or http://www.addictionsearch.com for someone to steer you in the right direction.
0 comments:
Post a Comment