My Kids Would Never Take Drugs. Really?
Please parents, don't ignore this!
Drug Testing
Parents, are you drug testing your teen or do you fall into the “Oh no, not my kid” syndrome? I cannot count the amount of parents that I encounter who respond with statements such as:
“I would know if my kid was using”
“He told me that he is not and I trust him”or
“She cannot stand being around anyone who is smoking”
And when you find some pot, a pipe, or any other drug paraphernalia in their room or back pack, do you hear:
“It’s not mine”
“I don’t know how it got there”or
“I am just holding it for a friend”
Are you aware that drug overdose deaths are the second highest cause of death among our youth today, second only to motor vehicle accidents? The most common types of overdose occur with Heroin, Cocaine and prescription pain medications known as Opioids, such as Oxycontin. These, as well as many other illegal drugs, are readily available to our youth in the most open and seemingly safe places - school yards, malls, mini marts, recreational centers, parties and even in your own medicine cabinet.
Do not wait until your child becomes a statistic. Test them now because you love them. It is not a matter of trust but rather a matter of responsibility, and that lies with you, the parent. Today drug tests are available in most pharmacies as well as many local parent support groups such as ours.
If you decide to drug test your youth, and I hope that you do, never tell them ahead of time about an upcoming test. Also, be sure the test is supervised to eliminate their use of any ingredient that could alter the results. If the test shows a negative result, reward them but also remind them you will be doing random tests while they are living in your home. This can also work as a deterrent when the opportunity to use presents itself to them within their social life, a reason to say no.
A positive result is just the first step to a solution. Seek immediate support for you and your youth. Relying on them to stop by themselves only continues to keep you as part of the problem.
Detecting Drugs
Drugs tests can use hair samples, blood samples, or urine. The length of time a drug can be detected after it is ingested is dependent on both the drug and the type of test used. The table below shows how long commonly abused drugs can be detected by a urine based drug test, detection times for other tests vary.
| Drug Name | Length of Time for Detection |
|---|---|
| Amphetamines | 1 or 2 Days |
| Cocaine | 1 or 4 Days |
| Marijuana | 1 Day to 5 Weeks |
| LSD (Acid) | 8 Hours |
| Opiates | 1 or 2 Days |
The Heroine Epidemic
Heroine is a problem of epidemic proportions in many communities. Don't assume that it will not affect your kids or family. Martha from our St. Louis B.I.L.Y. group sent us CuriosityAndHeroin.org, a link which I implore you to PLEASE review. It will inform you and your kids about all you need to know about Heroin. You can also read more from our Heroin Symposium at B.I.L.Y. Heroin Symposium and at What Do You Know About Heroin?
Please parents, don't ignore this! Your child's life may depend on it.