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Step 1
Go to the local pharmacy and ask the pharmacist for a reputable home drug test. Word of mouth from customers, other parents and school administration are a great ways to learn which tests work and which don't. Investigate which tests test for which drugs and what prescriptions drugs may cause false positives.
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Step 2
Talk to your child for the reasons of the test. Try to be calm and keep your cool, as this is a sensitive area and your child may feel that they are being wrongly accused and mistrusted for no apparent reason. Deterrent is a great reason.
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Step 3
Give no warning or schedule when the home tests will be taken. No good excuse can made up if there is no time to think. Let them know there is nothing to be worried about if they haven't done anything wrong.
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Step 4
Be prepared for resistance, a possible confession or a positive result. Many times children will confess their actions in hopes of leniency. Have consequences ready, such as no test means no cell phone or no going out. Hold on to what you think is right, as they try to wear you down.
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Step 5
Have a plan in the case of that dreaded positive result; whether it's a trip to the doctor's office or a 30 day "get your act cleaned up while you are grounded from leaving home" plan. If it is not the first time for a positive, know what your options are as far as drug treatment and police intervention.
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Step 6
Double check for false positives before making major decisions based on an at home drug test. Go to the doctor for another more in-depth test, or send away a sample to a lab. There is a rate of 5% false positives for Immunoassay type urine tests.
