testclear.com

Drug testing appears to be another component of the 'War on Drugs' that was thought to be a quick and easy fix to a problem that has no quick and easy fixes. As predicted by those knowledgeable about addiction the "War on Drugs" is a miserable failure. Instead of treating drug addiction as a criminal offense, we need to treat it as a public health problem that it is. Why punish the addict who is already punishing himself more than most can imagine? Making the addicts life more unbearable with jail time, monetary fines, and a criminal record reinforces feelings of hopelessness and keeps the addict from improving his life, which only serves to keep him or her using drugs. Denying an addict employment through drug testing is also a sure way to keep him or her using drugs and alcohol. Furthermore, the addict with no means of support must turn to the streets and obtain money though crime and prostitution or rely on the government for sustenance, which increases drug use in society.

Some claim that drug testing is beneficial because it leads to earlier diagnosis and treatment for drug abuse. This is, unfortunately not the case because the overwhelming majority of people testing positive are not offered treatment as an option. Instead they are fired with subsequent loss of all employment and health benefits. People afflicted with addiction are denied employment, which is their only means of receiving treatment for their disease. Even if it did lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, should we switch to mandated PAP smears and mammograms? Early detection of cancer could also, perhaps, improve job performance and productivity. Clearly, pre-employment drug testing is not in the best interests of employers, employees, addicts, or society as a whole.

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