Drug Testing Panic?

Before any comments are made on this issue, I would like to make one point very clear. Those who are addicted to drugs, whether legal and/or illegal should seek support and assistance to hopefully get through their dependance on drugs. 

However, most of the time, the drugs are not the primary issue. Instead, some other psychological, environmental, etc. should also be the issue to address.  Too many times, drug rehabilitation is the only service offered.. And unfortunately, even when one goes through the program, they once again Fail since the other psychological, environmental, etc. have not been addressed. Not to mention, as with any dependency,.. ie. once addicted, one will always be addicted.


So with the above in mind, allow me to share a few thoughts on why I feel there is a possible "panic" going on by many in the profession of preventing abuse..And in this case the misuse of drugs.


Perhaps, the primary tool used by not only the Child Protective Agency and/or the Government is "Mandatory Testing". But immediately one should ask: 

"Is this an effective way to approach this issue.. And in addition, is this, yet again, an invasion of our Individual Privacy as stated in our US Constitution?"

Below are two examples relating to Mandatory Testing:

• Testing of those receiving Welfare - Specifically Florida
• Poppy Seed Defense

Testing of those receiving Welfare - Specifically Florida

Florida Governor Rick Scott’s plan to test all welfare recipients to see if they are using drugs before they can receive payments is hardly saving the state any money, according to recent reports.

Of the roughly 1000 welfare applicants who have gone through testing so far, only about 2 percent — roughly 20 recipients — did not pass.  At $30 per test, the state paid $28,800 in drug test reimbursements (960 reimbursements at $30 each, since about 2 percent also didn’t finish the application process) for those who did pass, while saving themselves about $66,000 in payments that did not have to be made for the year to those applicants that didn’t make it through for one reason or another (applicants receive $138 a month, or $1656 per year).

Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/floridas-mandatory-drug-tests-for-welfare-recipients-finds-few-fails.html#ixzz1mBXXKbNx

 Poppy Seed Defense

The Poppy Seed defense is now well known and many might even use this, in their situation... But, that should not excuse the Agency from thoroughly checking out ALL the facts of those they are accusing of Drug Abuse.

Not sure if this is the same mom, but sarcastically, those businesses offering bagels with poppy seeds need to put a warning label on their product..ie

If Pregnant, this can be hazardous to your baby's health.

So bottom line, as in the above video. Apparently, it is not enough for one to say "No I don't do drugs".. But, and unfortunately, the agency relies on a test that can give False Positives.. A fact that is known.

I do feel mandatory drug testing is wrong..ie when in reality "Common Sense" and getting to know mom should be the primary concern.. And a sincere effort for the Agency to know ALL the Story.. Instead of relying on a drug test alone. For even 5 days is too long for a mom, who just had her baby.

In all fairness, this is what everyone should be aware of before taking a drug test. Not to mention, even in most State Statutes, it is recommended that one does NOT rely solely on the Drug Tests.. But does the agency even listen??.. Heck NO since it is easier for them do base their decisions on one Black and White supposedly Test.. However, in this case, there are too many substances, illnesses, etc. that will give False Positives. http://www.passyourdrugtest.com/false-positives.htm

Do I Consider Myself an Expert??

 Short answer. Currently being a Grand Pa in a mutigenerational family, one might say I earned my degree in the "School of Hard Knocks".. ie "Sharing many Family Experiences". And, I thank God that the Agency was never involved with an issue of my Youngest Daughter and her 3 little ones, now teens.

Yes, there is a Normal Issue of Conflict within Families. But throught Sharing, Caring, and Guidance, the members of the Family can successful Solve the Issues of Conflict.
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May you find Strength in Your Higher Power,

 GranPa Chuck

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