Communication: One of the keys to success

One of the primary components of Dr. Brown's Home Drug Testing System is communication about substance abuse. Communicating to someone you are concerned about that drug use is wrong, should start very early. When children are toddlers, they should be taught that drugs are bad at the same time they are taught not to lie, cheat, steal, commit incest, etc. (basic values of character). Persons in treatment should be approached with your intentions to use the System as part of their aftercare before they leave the treatment program.

The nature of the communication between the parent/sponsor and child/donor should always be compassionate and listened to, as well as, heard regarding their views and opinions about drug abuse.

All employers should make their employees aware of a no drug use policy and that the System is available to assist them, their coworkers or, their family members. It should also be communicated that the use of the System does not substitute or conflict with the drug free workplace regulations, but serves as a drug abuse intervention supplement.

The System offers the Drug Free Pledge and Consent Form to help talk to persons in recovery, employees, children, and others about the harm of drug use and to help obtain a commitment from them not to use drugs. The Pledge and Consent Form helps in the following ways:

1. To encourage a discussion about drug use between the parent and the child/donor
2. To inform and educate the parent/child/donor about the drug abuse and the excuses people often use to become involved
3. To introduce the idea of home drug testing as a tool to prevent or early detect substance abuse and
4. To emphasize the importance of voluntary participation by having a consent form signed by the child/parent/donor.

The nature of the communication between the parent/sponsor and child/donor should always be compassionate and listened to, as well as, heard regarding their views and opinions about drug abuse. The content and tone of the communication should be open and allow for full expression of the opposing view. Communicating early and openly about drug abuse is necessary, but usually not sufficient as part of the intervention process. Thus, parents should not give up their responsibility to do everything possible to protect their children and the rest of the family from the hazards of drug abuse. A comprehensive effort on the part of the parent may include using the Pledge, receiving information, and reading other forms of educational material about substance abuse. It may involve drug abuse testing or referral to and/or securing support of professionals in the medical or substance abuse field. However, the most important part of any effort to prevent and early detect drug abuse is to remember that it starts, and ends at home with parents and children. Communication is a requirement before testing or referral would be effective.