The goal of student drug and alcohol testing is to deter substance use. Students who know they will be detected are less likely to use drugs or alcohol. Schools implementing drug and alcohol testing should also have a student assistance program that can provide counseling and substance abuse education.

The courts clearly support random testing of student athletes and/or students who participate in extracurricular activities because these are privileges, and schools can set conditions on participation.

Drug and alcohol testing is effective and extremely accurate when properly administered and student dignity and privacy are preserved. The purpose is not to expose and punish students for drug use, but to deter use, intervene early, and help those who have become dependent on drugs or alcohol.

A study from Ball State University showed that 73 percent of high school principals reported a reduction in drug use among students subjected to a drug-testing policy, but only 2 percent reported an increase.