DRUG TESTING WON'T SOLVE STUDENTS' PROBLEMS

As an alcoholic that has been sober for 30 years, I believe I know
something about addiction. It is plain to see those pushing for
random drug testing in schools know nothing about the problem of
addiction, know nothing about why some students use alcohol and drugs
and get hooked while others do not.

There are those among us that from the first day of school feel we
don't belong, that we are not a part of. Many mothers have heard
their young children come home from school and say: "Nobody likes me."
that child is a candidate for alcohol or drug use as he or she grows
older.

Alcohol and drugs are a stimulant; they make one feel they are a part
of, that they belong. Others don't need these substances to get that
feeling and consequently, alcohol and drugs do nothing for them. Yes,
they may experiment with them now and them but rarely do they become
addicted.

Random drug testing in schools will only tend to embarrass some
students but will never stop those that need that boost in self
confidence that alcohol and drugs give them.

And of course, they don't intend to become addicted . . . but they
do.

Arthur Catton