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GoodLifeFamilyMag.com JULY AUGUST 2015 41 goodGUIDE WHATS THE DOPE ON DRUGS AND ALCOHOL Here again the jury is out on what is the best way to monitor your tweens and teens for drug and alcohol usage. Some in the law enforcement community feel strongly that ALL kids should be drug tested. Plano police of- ficer Courtney Pero says definitely do it. The Collin County Substance Abuse Coalition CCSAC in which Peros department is a member recom- mends that parents keep a drug test on your counter at all times and ran- domly drug test the kids. Pero adds Someday when a kid is approached with drugs hell say I cant because my parents drug test me. Many parents agree but only when there is an indication drug testing is necessary. Blakeley does not drug test her kids but is in favor of it if there is suspicion of abuse. I truly think the best thing you can do for kids with regard to alcohol and drugs is to set a good example. Cecily Craw Senior Director of Out- patient Services at the nationally-rec- ognized Caron Treatment Centers which has a center in Dallas disagrees with Peros hardline approach. A drug test should be kept in the house ONLY if the parent has a suspicion that their child is en- gaging in drug use be- haviors. In these cases it would be a good idea to keep a drug test at home and let the child be aware that it is pres- ent and can be used at any time. She acknowledges that the test can be used as leverage or as a deterrent but advises We highly recommend that if a parent has a concern that a drug test only be used in conjunction with a professional evaluation and refer- ral to services as appropriate. Kivett admits that she and her husband do not drug test her teen nor lock up liquor but he knows their position on drugs and drinking. If he did drink I have always said that Id rather get a call from him needing a ride home rather than a call from a police officer telling me he is injured or worse. Kivett has also warned her son about the dangers of drinking from an open can or punchbowl at a party citing too many opportunities for drugs to be put in open containers. Bell hasnt had to resort to locking up liquor but thinks drug testing or at the least the presence of a drug test in the house is a good idea. I want to know what my kids are doing and I want to do what I can to keep them out of trouble. - Lisa Kivett If he did drink I have always said that Id rather get a call from him needing a ride home rather than a call from a police officer telling me he is injured or worse. WHAT DO YOU DO Some experts and local parents have weighed in on their thoughts about what they think are appropriate boundaries with tweens and teens. Now its your turn Take our survey at goodlifefamilymag.comsurvey and let us know what you think.