Pubdate: Fri, 28 Jul 2000
Source: Columbus Dispatch (OH)
Copyright: 2000, The Columbus Dispatch
Contact:  34 S. Third St., Columbus, OH 43215
Website: http://www.dispatch.com/
Author: Robert Sharpe, Students for Sensible Drug Policy George Washington 
University

DRUG TESTING WON'T KEEP STUDENT ATHLETES OFF DRUGS

Friday, July 28, 2000 The Dublin City School District might have wanted to 
educate itself on the limitations of drug testing before imposing the 
unconstitutional measure on student athletes.

Drug-testing profiteers are quick to list the many drugs tested for but are 
loath to reveal the efficacy of urine tests. Urinalysis is actually 
counterproductive for keeping students off drugs, at least in terms of the 
relative dangers of different drugs. Only one drug stays in the human body 
long enough to make urinalysis a deterrent. That drug is marijuana, and the 
reason its metabolites linger beyond a few days is because they are 
fat-soluble. Harder drugs, such as heroin and Ecstasy, are water-soluble 
and exit the human body within 48 hours; sooner if the user chooses to 
flush his or her system with water.

If one thinks students don't know this, think again.

Anyone capable of searching the Internet can find out how to thwart a drug 
test. Why is this relevant?

Because the growing use of heroin in America is, in part, a result of drug 
testing.

A student who takes a potentially deadly drug such as heroin on Friday 
night will test clean on Monday morning.

The same applies to Ecstasy or crack.

Ironically, the least dangerous recreational drug is the only one whose use 
is discouraged by testing. Finally, the most commonly abused drug and the 
one most often associated with violent behavior is almost impossible to 
detect with urinalysis. That drug is alcohol, and it takes far more student 
lives every year than all other drugs combined.
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