School Drug Testing – Things you Need to Know

School Drug Testing – Things you Need to Know

Drug testing at workplaces has become quite common but it is also being replicated in various schools. Reasonable cause/suspicion or random drug testing are fast becoming a normal occurrence in many schools. Michigan alcohol screening tests in schools are not the only tests performed on students, but there are urine tests for drugs like cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, PCP and marijuana as well. Usually random tests are performed on more than one student who are picked randomly for drug testing.  

Students who often take part in competitive extracurricular activities also have to undergo random drug testing. If the school suspects or has evidence of drug or alcohol abuse, then the urine of that student is collected for random drug tests. A Michigan drug assessment test is used for determining whether the student is involved in active drug or alcohol abuse. Evidence of drug abuse necessary for a random drug test include physical symptoms such as the student being under the influence, or series of erratic or abnormal behavior, and direct observations by school officials.

What is the need for drug testing in the schools?

Implementation of random drug testing in schools has been designed to discourage and prevent drug abuse among students. Random testing often acts as a deterrent, and also gives them a reason to avoid peer pressure when it comes to drug abuse. On the other hand, random drug testing also facilitates identification of the students using drugs and early intervention is made possible. Students testing positive during these tests can be further recommended for drug abuse treatment. Drug abuse in schools is rising with every passing day and if preventive measures are not taken at the earliest possible moment, then the situation might soon get out of control.  

Student drug testing cannot alone prevent or deter students from drug abuse and it should actually be part of a larger plan that includes prevention, intervention, and even treatment.  The primary aim of random drug tests in schools is not aimed at reprimanding students using drugs but to actually stop the abuse and help the students get out of the drug use. Whenever a student tests positive during a random drug test, they should be informed and counseled privately. Drug treatment programs should be recommended for students diagnosed with drug abuse.  

Much hyped programs like the Michigan Welfare Drug Testing has failed but when it comes to random drug testing in schools, it has been a grand success. Students have been made aware of the downsides of drug abuse; they have been prevented from using drugs in future and the ones tested positive are even recommended for treatment.