One of the most difficult thing for a parent to come to is the realization that their child could be involved in illicit drugs. You shouldn’t consider yourself to be a bad parent, or your children to be bad kids. There are a lot of pressures involved that may not be fully understood by either you or your child. However, you owe it to them to ensure that they live a good, healthful life. A good first step is to talk to your child if you suspect that they are abusing drugs and/or alcohol. But if your suspicions continue, it’s best to get them tested. That way you and your family can be proactive about the issue.
Warning Signs:
Although different substances can cause different physiological phenomena, there are a few general warning signs that you can look out for. These include a family history of drug abuse, friends who appear shifty or shady, valuables missing or money being taken, an inordinate amount of secrecy, chronic lethargy and apathy, physical deterioration (rotting of the teeth, gums, puncture wounds, et cetera), and emotional instability. If your family is witnessing these phenomena, it may be time to have a talk with your child and schedule the next step in the process.
Benefits:
It may hurt to have to drug test your child. It may feel like you’re invading their privacy and somehow hurting them. You may fear that they’ll further distance themselves from you. Or that they’ll no longer trust you or trust you to trust them. These are very real, painful concerns. However, you have to remember that your job as a parent isn’t to be their best friend. You’re their guardian. Their protector. Sometimes, that means protecting them from themselves. And although it’s a difficult process to say the least, you’ll have the peace of mind in knowing that you’re doing everything possible to give your child a good life. And that you’re leading them on the path to make good future decisions.
Options:
There are a number of options one could take if they’re considering to test their child. However, many of the over-the-counter tests may read inaccurately. (For instance, a poppy-seed bagel can result in a positive indication of heroin abuse). It’s best to leave it to the experts. Oschmann Screening is a professional service that can give reliable and accurate testing. In addition, there’s the convenience of their on-site mobile services. This process is difficult enough as it is. It’s best to minimize hassle and frustration with professional testing.
