The main concept of school drug testing is to act as a deterrent—another valid reason for teens to resist peer pressure and not use drugs. It can also give teachers and parents some intel on a student who is using drugs and intervene appropriately.

Most schools who implement random drug testing use urine or saliva drug tests. These types of tests are the least intrusive and easy to use. Drug use can be identified in both tests for 3-5 days, depending on the type of drug.

Drug tests do not recognize alcohol use, which will only show up in a breath or blood test. This is a bit discouraging, since alcohol is by far the most-used drug among teens. But experts say most substance abusers use more than one drug, so it is entirely possible that a teen who tests positive for a narcotic may very well be drinking as well.

Some parents (or students) may question the constitutionality of drug testing in schools, but in many cases it is perfectly legal. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), schools can administer random drug tests to any students participating in competitive extracurricular activities. Before, only athletes could be tested. Now, even glee club members could be subjected to tests, providing they are competing. Despite recent court rulings, students and their lawyers continue to argue privacy issues, and the debate will no doubt linger on.

A national survey called “Monitoring the Future” offers an interesting snapshot of teen drug abuse. Surveys are conducted separately by grade level; students in grades eight, ten, and twelve are surveyed. The results are both good and bad, depending on the type of drug used.

Let’s start with the good news for parents. Last year, 21% of 8^th graders claimed to have tried an illicit drug at some point—that number more than doubles to 48% by 12^th grade. That means there is a four year window of opportunity for parents to make an impact by dissuading their children to use.

Also promising are the stats on cocaine. Over the past three years, cocaine use has dropped sharply in all three grade levels. Teens are smoking cigarettes less. Alcohol use also dropped slightly in all three areas, though it is still the most-consumed drug (more than 70% of all 10^th graders have tried alcohol).

Now for the not-so-good news. Overall, there has been a steady increase over the past three years of illicit drug use in all three grade levels. In fact, more than 45% of 12^th graders surveyed claimed to have tried drugs. So despite several years of anti-drug campaigns, teens have not been completely swayed.

Marijuana use is up two percentage points in all three grade levels. This may be because pop culture portrays the drug as not that dangerous, and there has been a lot of public awareness about medical marijuana.

Methamphetamine use is on the rise for older teens, particularly seniors who were surveyed. Perhaps the pressure of college tests and graduation makes this drug more appealing, despite its looming dangers. This may also be the reason for an increase in cough syrup consumption by seniors, since these types of medicines also work to keep you “alert”.

Though recent data pertaining to teen drug abuse is less than encouraging, it is important to point out that aggressive teen marketing campaigns have had come success. For example, the anti-cigarette (smelly, puking habit) will forever be remembered, and may have turned the pop-culture tide against smoking.  These types of campaigns are important, as is the continued involvement of parents in their teens’ lives.

By tying the drug testing programs to extracurricular activities, school officials have found that students are simply not willing to sacrifice their participation in athletics, clubs or scholarly associations to use illegal drugs. With recent innovations in the production of school drug testing kits, which are now designed to be as non-invasive as possible, school drug testing programs are now streamlined and efficient. This means that school districts around the country, many of which are struggling with budget issues, can institute drug testing programs secure in the knowledge that their money is being well spent. The school drug testing movement has gained legitimacy throughout years of successful trials, and today more schools than ever before rely on drug testing to provide a drug free educational environment.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/25/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/25RDRUG.html?pagewanted=all

The goal of these testing programs is to provide strict rules for participation in student athletics, with the aim being to provide students with a tangible consequence for experimenting with illicit substances. Knowing that most student-athletes value their team participation very highly, it is believed that student-athlete drug testing will prove to be a highly successful deterrent. The long term benefits of student-athlete drug testing are also important, because athletic competition is a pursuit which will stay with an individual long after their time in school has ended. If a student-athlete learns to avoid drug abuse early on in life, the chances that they will remain drug free are significantly increased.

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The employment drug testing program in South Africa should be used as a shining example of how similar programs in the United States can and should work. The emphasis on assisting employees who are suffering from addiction, rather than ending the work relationship entirely, is crucial in truly ending the drug use once and for all. By strictly monitoring employees, using pre-screenings during the hiring process as well as periodic random tests, companies can ensure that their workplace is drug free and as productive as possible.

http://www.politicsweb.co.za/politicsweb/view/politicsweb/en/page71654?oid=153255&sn=Detail