There a few things that a parent can go through that are more painful than having a child that is struggling with addiction. Unfortunately, this is the reality for thousands of parents across America. When your child has a substance abuse problem, it is easy to feel powerless.
Whether it is legal drug addiction or illegal drug use, there is no straightforward solution. You might think that surveilling your child is the most effective way to stop them from abusing drugs.
Many parents resort to forcing their children to undertake regular drug testing to ensure that they are staying clean. However, this is an approach that should be carefully considered before you undertake it. Drug testing your child is fraught with risks and may make the problem worse. Read on if you are considering drug testing your child.
1. Can I Drug Test My Child?
You might first be wondering if you are seeing the first signs of drug use in your child, whether it is actually possible to drug test them. The answer is, technically, yes. Laws vary across the country, with some states prohibiting drug testing a child if the parent does not consent.
However, if a parent wishes to drug test a child, they can usually do so. However, it is important to note that any child has the right to refuse a drug test and that you cannot coerce them into taking one. Drug tests can easily be bought online or from licensed medical suppliers, and owning drug testing kits is perfecting legal across the country. However, that does not mean that you should drug test a child.
2. Should I Drug Test My Child?
If you are wondering what the experts say on this topic, the answer is a pretty universal “no”. Teen drug use is painful, but not uncommon. You might be wondering what is considered heavy drug use, and whether your child qualifies as an addict. You should always take it seriously and seek help if you suspect your child is using drugs, but remember that you should not act out of proportion.
Drug testing a child is a form of surveillance and punishment. As a parent, your job is to care for your child and help them recover. Policing them in this very invasive way will damage trust and make it much harder for you to build the bridges that you need to build to help your child stop using. In addition, regardless of the drug use definition, drug tests are very easy to trick.
If your loved one is a seasoned drug user, they will likely already know how to beat any drug test you throw at them. Instead, you should be seeking medically-approved recovery that helps address why people use drugs in the first place and helps them move towards a drug-free life.
Put Your Child on the Path To Recovery
Rather than submitting your child to drug testing, you should be putting them on the path to recovery in a way that makes them feel valued. To find out more about the expert rehabilitation programs that can help your child, do not hesitate to give us a call today.
