Letter from Director John Walters and Secretary Margaret Spellings
Drug use among adolescents affects millions of lives nationwide. Recognizing the complexity of the problem, communities across the country are exploring measures to help reduce drug use in their schools. The U.S. Supreme Court has held constitutional the random drug testing of public school students, thus making a powerful, non-punitive tool available to combat student drug use.
Research shows that drug use can cause physical changes in the adolescent brain, and that drug use can develop into dependence and addiction. Research also shows that young abusers are especially vulnerable to other risky, potentially damaging behaviors, and that youths who use illicit drugs are more likely than other youths to have negative attitudes about school and to engage in fighting or other delinquent behaviors. In addition, students who use alcohol or drugs have been shown to be at greater risk for performing poorly in school. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [2005], Findings from the 2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Office of Applied Studies, NSDUH Series H-27, DHHS Publication No. SMA 05-4061, Rockville, MD.)
Random student drug testing can help address these and other concerns. By identifying students who have just started using drugs or who may already have a drug dependency, random student drug testing helps to ensure that these individuals get the help they need through counseling or treatment to get their lives back on track. Random student drug testing also benefits the entire school community by encouraging a drug-free environment that is safer and more conducive to learning. Recognizing the potential for improving the teaching and learning environment as well as the behavior and well-being of students, more schools are adding random student drug testing to their existing drug prevention strategy.
Published twice a year and distributed nationwide, Strategies for Success will keep readers informed about events and developments in the field of drug testing. It will report the latest research findings on the effectiveness of drug testing as a tool for reducing substance abuse. Each issue will also provide a wealth of guidance and resources on student drug testing program development, implementation, and maintenance.
Much progress has been made in the effort to protect America from the ravages of drug use. In the past five years, in fact, overall drug use among young people has declined 19 percent. Still, many challenges remain. A successful drug abuse prevention strategy for children and teens must, therefore, include the concentrated vigilance of parents, educators, school administrators, coaches, community leaders, health professionals, and others who interact with our Nation’s most precious resource.
Tools to prevent drug use, such as random student drug testing, can make all the difference to a child’s future. We encourage schools across the country to consider making drug testing a part of their comprehensive drug abuse prevention strategy.
John P. Walters, Director |
Margaret Spellings |
