| If you're not trained to recognize the signs of | | | | The deterrent for teens to say no to drugs may |
| drug use or symptoms of drug use in your teen | | | | not be as strong if their parents have not had a |
| and are considering the idea of using home drug | | | | very important discussion with them about |
| test kits to prevent or solve problems before | | | | establishing a home drug testing program. Drug |
| they get worse, then it is OK for you to have | | | | free expectations should be communicated, |
| concerns about the bond of trust you have with | | | | random drug tests promised and all rewards and |
| your teen. | | | | consequences tied to results of tests should be |
| Remember that the pathway to preserving a | | | | clearly defined. If parents have taken the time to |
| bond of trust between you and your teen is not | | | | establish and communicate their drug-free |
| a one-way street. Some people believe that the | | | | expectations in this fashion before trouble is likely |
| use of drug tests will damage the parent-child | | | | to arise, then teens should feel no more |
| bond. However, when used properly, as part of a | | | | uncomfortable about taking a test than parents |
| clearly communicated home drug testing program, | | | | do when they take them at work. |
| I'd like you to consider the probability that you | | | | Showing mom and dad drug free results on a |
| could actually PRESERVE that bond of trust. You | | | | home drug test kit should be like showing off an |
| can be the judge. | | | | A on a report card. It's not like a bond of trust is |
| It has been my experience that as long as kids | | | | broken when a parent looks at a report card. It's |
| think they can get away with something without | | | | basic parenting. which involves checking up and |
| their parents finding out, they don't think their | | | | being involved. |
| bond of trust is ever in jeopardy and they do | | | | If you want to know more about establishing an |
| what they want. If kids really value the bond of | | | | effective home drug testing program, let me |
| trust they have with their parents, and they | | | | encourage you to do your homework and review |
| know they'll screw it up by failing a home drug | | | | all available program checklists, counselor approved |
| test, then a deterrent exists where it didn't | | | | strategies and video tutorials to familiarize |
| before. That deterrent can save lives. | | | | yourself with your options. |