Drug testing in the family sphere: putting it into practice

If you've been doing simple prevention and this result is unexpected, then you can still count yourself lucky, because you certainly still have time to turn things around before a real addiction problem arises. Not all parents are lucky enough to be able to get ahead of addiction. Many become aware of a drug problem through noticeable behavioral and physical changes, which are merely the visible symptoms of an addiction that has already set in.

If, on the other hand, you were expecting this result, then you're holding in your hand a tangible element that your teenager won't be able to deny. Sure, you weren't there to see your kids smoking marijuana or doing cocaine, but you have proof that it happened. They'll have to discuss it with you.

Of course, there's no point in blaming your children for lying to you. Concealment and lying are inherent to the drug problem. Indeed, when teenagers start taking drugs, they know perfectly well that they're breaking the rules. So they'll be forced to lie if asked about it, even in families where there's the greatest trust and dialogue. They'll lie to their parents just as they lie to themselves. Too often convinced that they are in complete control of their consumption, that they have no addiction and that they can stop whenever they want, many young people realize far too late that they have lost control, and that drugs have ceased to be a "little pleasure" for them, but a real psychological and physical need.

So try to take this opportunity to re-establish a dialogue, avoiding any form of reproach or aggressive reaction. Reassure your child as much as possible and show him or her that the sky isn't going to fall now that you know. In such a case, reproaches are generally useless, as addiction can be far more powerful than logic and composure. Show your child that you're not his enemy, and that you're ready to help him, or even get him professional help if necessary.

Some teenagers may try to refuse this help, on the grounds that "you don't understand anything anyway". They won't necessarily be wrong. Anyone who hasn't experienced the pain of drug addiction can scarcely form a realistic picture of it. The best way to help them will often be to get them to accept the principle of a consultation with an addiction professional.

An addictology consultation will enable your children to talk to specialists in the field, who will often be able to find the right approach and the right words to get them to admit to the existence of a problem and to consider ways out of it.

In the event of a positive test, it is essential to have a more detailed laboratory analysis carried out, i.e. gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). This analysis will confirm your test and provide an accurate drug dosage. Once this result has been confirmed, consult a health professional (family doctor, addictologist, etc.) for advice. No parent is supposed to know how to deal with a drug problem with their children. Drugs are an extraordinary problem, a world apart. Never hesitate to get help to understand how to help your children in such situations.

You can also get help from associations specializing in the fight against drugs and drug addiction. These associations provide day-to-day support to parents dealing with this type of problem. They'll be able to give you the advice and support you need.