Testing for drugs can cause problems
While there has been a significant increase in requests for drug tests, there are concerns about the way those tests were carried out.
“We have noticed a substantial increase this year both in requests for tests and in telephone calls from GPs, agencies and employers,” said Sheila Heffernan, general manager of the Drug Treatment Centre. “Our concern is that proper procedures are adhered to in testing, from taking of the sample to the chain of custody, before it gets to our laboratory.”
She said drug testing must also be within a context of supporting those being tested and not just a way of screening for drugs: “It is a very positive initiative on behalf of schools and employers and shows that the level of awareness is much greater. But it has to be done within a context.”
Earlier this month, two fee-paying schools in Dublin - Sutton Park and St Andrews - revealed they tested students for drugs if they felt they had cause. However, concerns have been raised by experts over the accuracy of tests conducted by schools and companies. They warn students or workers expelled or fired on the basis of such tests could take a legal challenge.
Ms Heffernan said that a new document by the Department of Education would help schools develop a policy on substance misuse in schools.
She said the Drug Treatment Centre Board would launch a specialist training service for schools, agencies and employers early next year on this area.
Ms Heffernan was speaking yesterday at the publication of the Drug Treatment Centre Board’s Annual Report 2001 which showed the centre treated 1,189 drug users in 2001, a 15% increase on 2000. She said that 97% were receiving treatment for opiate addiction, primarily heroin.
The report showed that there was a 10% rise in the number of people under 20 attending the centre last year.
Of the 1,189 users, 211 attended the centre for the first time in 2001, with opiates remaining the dominant drug of misuse.
The report noticed a rise in the number of clients who were homeless, from 129 in 2000 to 166 in 2001 - a rise of almost 30%.
The centre set up a new programme in 2001, the Young Adults in Action programme, which provides medical, therapeutic and life skills services to young adults.
* For more see the centre’s website at www.addictionireland.ie.
