My 30-year professional history has focused on destructive thinking and behavior patterns in sexuality and drugs and alcohol (D&A). I wish to comment on the proposed Whitefish High School mandatory drug and alcohol testing policy for all youths in any sanctioned activities.

Though exaggerated in some recent media articles, I agree with the committee that there is a serious D&A problem.

Be careful, however, when adopting policy in areas where we have legitimate fear. When afraid, we are at most risk to implement well intended, emotionally appealing policies that have unintended negative consequences due to the inherent "blind spots" that exists on the part of the brain that emotionally reasons and reacts - usually with control and fear.

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Editor:

My 30 year professional history has focused on destructive thinking and behavior patterns in sexuality and drugs & alcohol (D&A). I wish to comment on the proposed Whitefish High School mandatory drug and alcohol testing policy for all youths in any sanctioned activities.

Though exaggerated in some recent media articles, I agree with the committee that there is a serious D&A problem.

Be careful, however, when adopting policy in areas where we have legitimate fear. When afraid, we are at most risk to implement well intended, emotionally appealing policies that have unintended negative consequences due to the inherent "blind spots" that exists on the part of the brain that emotionally reasons and reacts -- usually with control and fear.

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