Random student drug testing as a school-based drug prevention strategy.
OBJECTIVE
This paper describes the goals and current practice of school-based random student drug testing (RSDT) as part of an overall drug prevention strategy, briefly explores the available literature evaluating its effectiveness and discusses the controversies related to RSDT.


METHODS
The authors describe the rationale for RSDT programs and the prevalence of RSDT and other drug testing programs in schools. Eight major criticisms and controversies in RSDT are discussed, including those related to acceptance of RSDT, program effectiveness, costs, legality and effects of drug testing on students. The limitations of the current literature are explored.


RESULTS
Although there is limited empirical evidence to support or refute the efficacy of RSDT in schools, there remains substantial opposition to such programs, which may contribute to the paucity of empirical studies of RSDT.


CONCLUSIONS
Rigorous long-term evaluations are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of various versions of RSDT programs to prevent drug use and identify students in need of assistance to become and stay drug-free.
Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc., Rockville, MD 20852, USA. bobdupont@aol.com
Robert L
RL
DuPont
Lisa J
LJ
Merlo
Amelia M
AM
Arria
Corinne L
CL
Shea
D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D012572:School Health Services; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection / Q000379:methods*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*