School Programs
Drug use and abuse often begins at a young age. It has an impact on our schools and that means an impact on every child’s health and education. Our SureHire tools, testing, and expertise can help both parents and educators and, more significantly, the children affected.
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Random Drug Testing in Schools
According to the Canadian Addiction Survey (2004), most users of cannabis, hallucinogens and speed began their use between the ages of 15 and 19. Cannabis is often described by chronic drug abusers as the "gateway drug" to further drug use.
Across the United States, many high schools have instituted random drug testing policies as part of their substance abuse prevention programs. Early statistics suggest a positive association between random drug testing and decreased youth drug use. In 2005, a survey of principals at fifty-four Indiana high schools with drug testing programs reported the following statistics:
- 41% reported a decrease in positive drug test results
- 0% reported a decrease in extra-curricular activities as a result of the program
- 91% reported that "testing limits the effects of peer pressured drug use"
In Canada, random drug testing in schools is relatively new. However, it is likely these programs will continue to gain popularity as municipalities seek to deter the drug trade and help make communities safer. Random drug testing should be used as part of a broader substance abuse prevention program. Students testing positive should be handled proactively, not punitively. Students should be educated and counseled by certified substance abuse professionals to help deter further use and abuse. It is important that all stakeholders are involved in the process including students, school administrators and parents.
SureHire has the expertise to work with the public and private school boards and municipalities to facilitate the implementation of random drug testing in schools. We are certified to create random drug testing policies, carry out multi-modal methods of detecting alcohol and/or drug use, and facilitate a direct referral of those students testing positive to a certified substance abuse professional (SAPAA -- Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association).
Protection of Children Abusing Drugs
As of July 1, 2006, the Alberta government instituted the Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act (PChAD). This program gives parents the ability to apply for a court appointed apprehension and confinement order if their child's use of alcohol and/or drugs is likely to cause significant psychological or physical harm to themselves or others. Children are taken to a protective safe house for up to five days to allow counselors to assess, educate and offer treatment recommendations once the child has been discharged from the program.
If you suspect your child is abusing drugs but cannot prove your child's use of drugs, hair drug testing can detect prior drug use up to 90 days on a 1.5" sample.
For more information about our random drug testing services, our multi-modal methods of drug and/or alcohol testing and our substance abuse professionals, please contact us from the website or call our toll free number at 1-866-944-4473.
