KIDS OFTEN THANKFUL FOR HOME DRUG TEST

Dear Straight Talk: Lauren, I am curious if you had ever tackled the
subject of home drug testing. A lot of parents can't imagine their teens
are using drugs, but the sad fact is, many use right under their noses.
Some teens use marijuana while others raid the medicine cabinets for a
high (sometimes at Gramma and Grampa's house). Some parents look away
preferring not to know, others believe it's a complete invasion of
privacy to drug test their teen. I wonder what the young people who
contribute to your column think.

- -- Jeffrey Soto, TeenSaver Diagnostics, Irvine

Katelyn, 16, Huntington Beach: Before parents force their teen into a
drug test they need evidence of drug use. Have medicines been found on
low reserve or missing? Is the teen's behavior different? Does he/she
keep more secrets than usual? Are there physical symptoms (drowsiness,
bloodshot eyes, decaying teeth, etc.)? Who is the teen hanging out with?
Have they switched friends? With cause, testing by parents is not an
invasion of privacy.

Maureen, 18, Redding: Drug testing is overbearing if there's no sign of
drug use. But if you have suspicions or have caught someone, it is a
great way to help keep him or her on track. It's very important, though,
to address the reason a kid is using drugs. You can't drug test forever
and at 18, you lose your power. A rehab counselor can get to the bottom
of the problem so your kid will stay on track for himself.

Gregg, 19, Sacramento: I got addicted to marijuana at 15 and it had a
very negative effect on me. The high altered my personality, making me
socially awkward, physically tired, mentally slow and very unhappy. My
friends shunned me, my grades dropped. I started hanging out with "drug
friends" who were only there because of pot. My parents helped me
recover by putting me in outpatient rehab. My friends helped by not
wanting to hang out with me when I was high (which really made a statement).

As part of rehab, my parents tested me regularly and randomly. I liked
it. It made me feel honest because I could prove I was clean when my
word was debatable. It also provided an excuse from using drugs when
they were offered. When friends asked how long I'd been clean I knew
the actual date -- and being tested, they believed me more. Also, my
parents began trusting me again. Testing clean ensured them the rehab
counseling was working and they congratulated me each time I passed (I
definitely fell off the wagon at first). Honestly, I loved being
tested by my parents and was thankful to start college clean. I'm back
to how I used to be, feeling great each day.

Dear Jeffrey: The feedback here is pretty standard among young people
and I agree that for cause, drug testing is a good idea. Many parents
project the negative mood toward drug testing that was prevalent in
their youth, but most Millennial Generation kids don't think that way.
Drugs are the "invasion of privacy," not parents. Drug use starts
younger today and the drugs are stronger. Kids get lost much easier and
sincerely want and need help getting back to how they used to be. If
parents don't help, who will?

Parents: Most drug test kits and breathalyzers aren't cheap, but they're
worth it. (Beware of borrowed urine -- search the Internet for "cheating
a drug test" to detect other tricks.) I also can't recommend outpatient
rehab enough to heal the source of the addictive tendency -- even for
"just alcohol" or "just pot." Rehab isn't stigmatized by today's youth.
I found it surprising, too, but many kids really like rehab and the
freedom from addiction they receive can stick with them for life.

- -- Lauren

For more discussion, to ask a question, or inquire about being a youth
panelist, visit http://www.straighttalkforteens.com or write POB 963
Fair Oaks, CA 95628.