It is so disheartening to know the recent statistics about youth drug addiction. According to Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey conducted during 2008, nearly 47% of the teens tried an illegal drug by the time they finish their high school. Most of them try it because of peer pressure, curiosity or just plain rebellion. Majority of those who will try it become hooked, in one way or another. And that is where our problem comes in. Reports say the commonly abused drugs are cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana. Schools should closely monitor drug-related cases and incidents. Bullying, gang rapes, gang wars and absenteeism can all be traced to drug use and abuse.

I fully am for drug screening in high schools. If there is nothing to hide, why be afraid of getting tested?

Early intervention by the school authorities is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of drug abuse by the youth. Drug abuse by the students can be prevented by awareness and stopped by identifying the users and pushers. There are many drug testing methods that schools can choose from, such as urine drug testing, hair drug testing, oral fluid drug testing and blood testing. They come in various drug testing kits. The drug abusers can go into counselling or referred for treatment.

Young people are more vulnerable to drug abuse as they are in their adolescence and not completely matured. They get attracted to the word of supposed benefits rather than understanding the adverse.
consequences. It is our duty to prevent and control it.