Should public schools randomly test for drug use

[GalvestonDuck]

What about commercially available "system detox" products?

That's where I'm not as sure. When I worked in the ER, they did both the qualitative and quantitative tests in the lab for several different drugs and substances in patient's blood and/or urine. The tests for THC were fool-proof because of the reagents used and I've only heard of those detox products being used to mask THC. Is that right? Or are there some for other drugs they hide as well?

All I know is that they needed to ensure we knew what drugs of abuse or pharmaceutical drugs were in a patient's system when and if possible because 1) the drugs could alter a patient's mental status and responsiveness (something we needed to be able to determine in order to know how their injury may have affected those things) and 2) it could affect what other medicines the patient could receive.

As far as a school's method of testing, it could be something that they send out to a lab or it could be some type of field test like cops use -- some simple qualitative test strip or additive that just determines the presence of a drug by changing color. I'm not sure how good those will be.

[george_r_1961]

Ack.......

Perhaps they could place smoke detectors in students cars, too. Or set up video cameras in their rooms, reality tv style. How about implanting little GPS tracking devices, so we know where they are at all times....that way they can't go places their parents and teachers don't know about, and might never have the opportunity to even buy drugs, let alone do them!


So, how much invasion of privacy are people in this country willing to take before they realize that they will never, ever, EVER stop people who want to get high from doing so???


I remember having this debate when I was in high school. Its a shame to see it becoming commonplace. I guess it was only a logical progression from drug-sniffing dogs in the halls and parking lot, tho....


George: from a strictly philosophical standpoint, WHY must there be imposed consequences for drug use?

Drug testing is a way of life now. It is NOT an invasion of privacy; it is meant as a deterrent to drug use and to steer drug users into treatment that will hopefully lead to a drug free lifestyle. In most cases drug testing is voluntary; you attend a school or work in a drug free workplace you agree to be tested for drugs.
Stormie to answer your question: As a former drunk I think im qualified to say suffering the consequences of substance abuse is part of the treatment process. Show a substance abuser that substance abuse is not acceptable by imposing appropriate sanctions and you are encouraging this person to be "chemically free". Of course its up to the individual in the long run and I concede that many are incorrigible. But its worth the effort to see even a few straighten out and lead productive lives.

[Dr. Jonah Rainwater]

I go to High School in the Frisco ISD so I've been around this story for some time now. Drug testing is a good idea. From what I've noticed, while Frisco may be an affluent, "family oriented" town, an amazing number of kids have parents who truly don't care, or worse, are just as bad as their teenagers. If these kids are not taken care of in the schools, their parents will not do it for them, especially at-risk kids, who tend to have the worst parents.

However, by limiting the drug tests to extracirricular activities alone, all we manage to accomplish is discouraging drug-using teenagers from participating in sports and clubs. I've found that the activities I participate in - Debate, Academic Decathlon, Key Club, etc., give me a sense of purpose at school. Most drug abusing teens are good kids. They just need to get their acts together and find things in life that are worth enjoying without drugs. By excluding them, we're really encouraging these kids to farther isolate themselves from authority and accomplishment, and fast-tracking them to a dead-end life in the druggie underworld after they leave high school.

In my opinion, all students at school, whether they choose to participate in extracirricular activities or not, should be drug tested. Then maybe we can actually help these kids.

[Scorpion]

An outrage. More government intervention into our freedom.

[feederband]

An outrage. More government intervention into our freedom.

A freedom for kids to take drugs in school.....I think we could do without this freedom...