Drug testing-when to use it and what to do about positive results?

[Roynan Steres]

Here is another topic of interest to me....how many programs out there
utelize drug testing? In what circumstances do you use it? How do
you handle positive results? Do you handle some drugs differently
than others?

Our programs typical approach is that we drug test only when we have
reason to suspect use. If the test is positive we require the client
to attend some type of outpatient rehabilitation and education
services, which we set up for them. We continue to test periodically
until the use tapers off. If it does not stop, or if the client isn't
compliant with attending the services, we may evict the client due to
non compliance with the rules of the program.

This is almost always Marijuana use. A while ago we had a client who
was found with crystal meth and smoking paraphernalia in his shared
bedroom by his house mates. That client was evicted. It wasn't an
easy decision to make, and there were some other factors involved, but
I welcome other ideas of how this could have been handled.

[Rhonda Staton]

We don't drug test, but we have rules about having drugs/parephenelia
onsite. I don't believe our County would support testing. When we
find drugs or the youth admits, we may put them on an individualized
contract which may include requiring attending meetings (like NA/AA
etc). Usually this is connected however, to how it's impacting them
individually.
Some have asked for help, and we can make referrals for Drug and
Alcohol Counseling from there. We also have Mental Health Services
that we are able to provide in-house, so this is helpful as well, as
they can address the reasons for use, what they are escaping etc and
why.
If we don't know about it, or it hasn't come to our attention because
it hasn't affected their school/work, or ability to complete goals,
then it's not on our radar. We don't go looking for it either.
For us, if we kicked out all youth who smoked marijuana, we'd have a
revolvoing door, unfortunately.

[Elizabeth Wilkinson]

We don't require drug testing either. We identify drug usage when it becomes an issue through behavioral patterns, if the young adult mentions using the case manager provides written and has educational conversations about the substances, and create a safe plan if they decide to continue using. We encourage young adults to make the best decisions for themselves. Case Managers can also connect with other services and make referrals on behalf of youth.

Nicotine - usage is high

Other consistent usage marijuana.

Liz

                                               
Elizabeth A. Wilkinson, MSW
Supervising Social Worker, Kinship and Transitional Housing Program
Edgewood Center - Family Center
1801 Vicente St. (Our new address!)
San Francisco, CA 94116

WARM LINE: 1800 KIN- 0047 (New!)
P: (415)-682-3276 (direct line)
F: (415)-681-3205 (New fax number!)
eliza...@edgewood.org

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