Using Home Drug Tests: Do Home Drug Test Kits Cause A Decrease In Honest Communication?

By Dr. Deb Carlin

If you’re not trained to recognize the signs of drug use or symptoms of drug use in your teen and are considering the idea of using home drug test kits to keep your children drug-free, then you might be wondering if using home drug tests as part of an ongoing program might lead to a decrease in honest communication between you and your teenager.

Well, according to Dr. Michael Reznicek, a board certified psychiatrist, “Teens have always had dishonest communication with parents. Preparing drug-free contracts with clear expectations and consequences ensures that there will be clear and honest communication, at least from the parents.” I agree and think that what he said makes good sense.

Using a drug-free contract can help you address your biggest concerns and communicate openly and honestly about your drug-free expectations. It is also VERY important that you set up rewards as well as consequences that are tied to the results of your home drug tests. If you explain your reasons for implementing a home drug testing program and set proper expectations with your teen and follow through, then it should be easier to build your relationship based on facts rather than fiction.

If you want to know more about using home drug tests or picking out the best home drug test kit for your teen, or the steps to starting a home drug testing program, then there are plenty of helpful resources on the Internet. Program checklists, counselor approved strategies and video tutorials are must-see resources available to help you.

Copyright 2010 Test My Teen LLC.

By: Dr. Deb Carlin

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

www.testmyteen.com Dr. Deb Carlin is a psychologist who works closely with the TestMyTeen.com initiative. Her work provides home drug test kits and home drug testing strategies to prevent signs of drug use and symptoms of drug use in teens.