Parents have a new, unique, and controversial weapon to help them monitor - and possibly prevent - drug use among their kids: an at-home drug test that analyzes a strand of the child's hair.

"Stores like Discount Drug Mart sell the drug testing kit for $59.99 and they've already been successful selling urine test kits... [Paul] Coleman [CEO of Maryhaven, a private nonprofit comprehensive healthcare facility that treats people with alcohol and drug dependencies] said there can be a delicate balance of trust within a household - bond that can be broken if not approached correctly."

At-home drug tests should be a last resort, and should be used only if the family is already working with a licensed counselor. And ultimately, Coleman says, no test can take the place of open communication and parent who trusts his instincts. Source: NBC4i (Columbus, OH)

Labels: privacy, drug_testing

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A new test developed by AbuseCheck" could help rehabilitation centers, counselors, and even court systems determine how much alcohol a person has consumed. The test measures the levels of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) in hair follicles.

"FAEEs are byproducts of alcohol metabolism created by the body. As these molecules circulate in the blood, they are incorporated into the structure of growing hair. The more alcohol which has been consumed, the higher the levels of FAEEs in the hair during that period of time."

Unlike breathalyzers or urine tests that only evaluate recent alcohol use, the AbuseCheck" Hair Alcohol Test gives evidence of long-term use, according to the product's manufacturer. Source: MedicalNews Today

Labels: drug_testing, long_term_drug_use

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The Lewisville (Texas) School District launched a random drug testing program last fall. The program's first year yielded good news, officials said.

"Schools there drug tested nearly 1,700 students over the course of six weeks last year. Only one percent, or about 17, students tested positive drugs, including marijuana and prescription sedatives."

The pilot program cost about $370,000 last year, and will be continued this school year. Source: NBC5i - Dallas/Ft. Worth

Labels: schools, drug_testing

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Tammy East has a son in junior high, and she thinks the random drug testing that he and other students will be subjected to throughout the year is good. She only has one objection:

"I think they should have drug testing for everyone, not just those in sports or other extracurricular activities..."

The drug testing policy, which has been in place at the high school level since the 1997-98 school year, has previously applied only to athletes. This year, however, testing will be expanded to include all students involved in all extracurricular activities in both junior and senior high. Source: Peoria (IL) Journal Star

Labels: students, drug_testing, drug_screening

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H & S Business Services, LLC, will begin offering home drug tests for parents who are concerned that their teenagers may be using drugs.

"In-home drug testing offers a discreet solution to a sensitive issue. In many ways drugs are easier to procure than ever before. With the relative ease to which teens can get drugs in schools, many are suggesting that even schools should introduce random drug testing..."

H & S also offers drug testing kits and other solutions on its website, and is available to address educational, civic, and other groups on drug-related topics. Source: PR Web

Labels: access, drug_testing, availability

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Finney High School in Detroit, Michigan, will start random drug testing on its students this fall. A three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education is making the program possible.

"Three types of students will be tested: those who volunteer and have their parents' permission, those in athletic programs and those who participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities."

The program will test for marijuana, heroin, prescription drugs, cocaine, and methamphetamines. Students who test positive won't be punished, but their parents will be notified. Source: The Detroit News

Find a list of top private high schools at Boarding Schools Info.

Labels: schools, drug_testing

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Not everyone agrees that random drug testing in schools is a good idea. A recent editorial in the Gloversville, New York Leader-Herald calls for school administrators to find more creative, effective drug prevention solutions.

"Among the opponents of random student drug testing is the American Academy of Pediatrics, which stated it 'believes more research is needed on both the safety and effectiveness before testing programs are implemented. Laboratory testing for drugs is a scientifically complex procedure, which may be prone to both false-positive and false-negative tests...'"

Awareness training for teachers, curriculum that includes drug-prevention and more parental involvement were some of the offered alternatives.

SunHawk Academy is a residential treatment center for teens struggling with drug and alcohol abuse. Visit www.sunhawkacademy.com to learn more.

Labels: prevention, schools, drug_testing

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Sharon Levy, MD and medical director of the adolescent substance abuse program at Children's Hospital in Boston is one of many in the medical community who feel that better drug screening methods are needed to adequately determine if a teen is using drugs.

"'OxyContin use, for example, which is just about an epidemic here in Boston, is not detected on those screenings. Neither is ecstasy, and many tests don't detect alcohol... If a kid is using one of these, the drug test will be negative.'"

Add to that the fact that most substances only stay in the system for 24 to 72 hours, and random drug screening becomes a very hit-or-miss method for identifying kids who might have substance abuse issues. Read more at News.Nurse.com.

Labels: drug_testing, drug_screening

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