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by Joseph Califano, Jr.
Joseph Califano, Jr. describes his new book, High Society: How Substance Abuse Ravages America and What to Do About It, as a "call to arms". Califano, Chairman and President of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, presents in devastating detail the many ways in which substance abuse infects all aspects of American society. Many of the statistics he weaves into his argument are familiar. In their entirety, however, they paint the portrait of a nation drenched in alcohol and substance abuse.
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Index of Articles Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco
Alcohol is not difficult for kids to get. Over 50% of eighth graders said it was fairly easy or very easy to obtain alcohol.When kids start drinking at an early age it is even more likely they will drink... Besides smoking, drinking is the only legal drug. It isn't uncommon for friends and family to drink and dine together on a regular basis. Consuming too much alcohol however, can be seriously dangerous... Studies have shown that genetic trait contributes to progression from social drinking to alcoholism in about 50% of individuals. Alcoholism is often a familial trait. Differences in sensitivity of various... It is hard to tell if a friend is having trouble with Most of the time people aren't comfortable walking up to a close friend and asking them for help with such a problem. Many times friends will do everything... Alcoholism signs - are there ten warning signs of alcoholism? Yes! Understanding alcoholism signs can help you determine whether there is alcohol abuse or dependency. Consuming a drink or two per day for... Struggling teenagers are those who are unable to adjust in home environment due to the continuous distress in mind. Few common signs seen in struggling children are rebelliousness, defiance, poor peer... Many people recognize that they may have a drinking problem, but learning the various techniques and strategies to stop drinking can sometimes be overwhelming. Let's be realistic for a moment, there is... |
A Different Kind Of School Test
Drug testing and screening are routine for many people: athletes, job applicants, employees, and students.
Despite this, there are still others who feel that their privacies are violated when institutions require them to undergo drug testing. But it is imperative since the law condemns anyone who engages in activities involving drugs -- it does not recognize differences between a private user, a party user, or a drug pusher.
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Drug testing also offers many advantages for the individuals who require it and for those who submit to it. For employers who advocate drug testing, it is a way to minimize costs and secure gains. The initial investment in having all their employees tested ensures continuous productivity and less workplace tension and problems among employees. They are able to weed out and reject employees and applicants alike who are drug dependents. The employers save by doing away with non-performing employees and by reducing production costs such as salaries and benefits. Professional athletes also undergo drug testing and screening regularly to monitor use of performance drugs in order to maintain fair play and healthy competition.
Aside from the major institutions requiring drug testing, schools, especially colleges, high schools, and middle schools are also subject to it. The drug testing process includes mandatory and random drug tests among the students and school personnel (i.e. teachers, maintenance, etc.). Though there are some -- like Kansas State professor Bob Shoop -- who feel that drug testing and screening are invasive actions against a person's privacy and violations of democratic rights, most think otherwise. Most school officials feel that these are necessary efforts to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning and student safety. Benefits that schools reap as a result of drug screening are obvious. Primarily, drug testing reduces the use and market of drugs within the school, thus, discouraging drug pushers to sell on campus. There are also lower incidents of school violence as most of the kids' violent behaviors are due to substance abuse. As a result, schools become safer and peaceful, thereby maintaining a positive learning environment.
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The effects and help of drug screening to students are more personal and less noticeable. First, the substance and drug use problems of kids surface making them open to receive help and substance counseling. Counselors agree that the earlier drug and substance abuse are detected, the easier it is for kids to kick the habit off. Second, mandatory routine drug testing and screening discourage students from taking drugs and give them a valid, indisputable reason to refuse offers to use drugs. Surveys reveal that kids are more prone to take drugs if their reasons for refusing are easily dispelled by pushers. Third, and probably the most crucial, drug testing helps develop the kids' full potential even indirectly. If their environment is drug-free, students are keener to explore positive activities like art, sports, or writing and give better academic performance.
There are debates about drug testing and screening, especially in schools. But in situations as delicate as students' safety and drug use, perhaps it is better to tip the balance in favor of the pros. Surely, bright, healthy, and drug tested individuals are preferable than free, drug-dependent people with broken futures.
This Program was developed by the Just Wait Foundation a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation to prevent drug, alcohol, and tobacco problems among teenagers. The Foundation provides one-year scholarships (two semesters) at a Community College or $1000 award to teens that completes the 4 year Just Wait Teen™ Positive Youth Development Program, obtains a GED, or graduates from high school - alcohol, tobacco, and drug free. The Just Wait Foundation has arranged to use of 80 acres to raise fruit and vegetables to finance the scholarships
We offer free training for any person or group that wants to start this program in their community.
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Index of More Articles about Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco
More Authors Opinions about Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco
Tips to help you teen think positive
by Akinola
You encourage your teen to think positively by being a positive role model by sharing positive experiences with your teen.Suggest activites that can increase positive thinking.Give them a positive statement... Let's face it. One of the perennial societal problems the whole world is facing right now is drug addiction. It seems like we are losing every one of our people, youth especially, to substance abuse that... Drug testing labs provide accurate results for drug tests in a short period of time. Oftentimes, companies require lab drug tests in order to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.... The past 20 years or so have seen a large increase in drug testing in the workplace and elsewhere. This testing has usually taken place in a laboratory setting; home drug testing is a relatively new phenomenon.... Want to know what you can do about drug abuse or drug related crimes in your community? The answer may be here on the internet.Over the past 15 years, we have watched illicit drug use and abuse destroy... Clarity Drug Test Consultants was founded by Joel Myers, a practicing ER physician assistant in Central Oregon, in the Spring of 2006. Initially their main directive was geared toward families and teen... Choosing the right drug detox can mean the difference between success and failure. When looking for help for themselves or a loved one with a prescription drug problem, people are often unsure which detox... There are many companies that provides drug tests and alcohol testing services. These companies offer analysing services for amphetamines, marijuana, cocaine, opiates, PCP as well as alcohol and many other... |