Converging Point

- Random Drug Testing: An Initial Pill -

by: Harchie Miranda

The flu virus scare has taken the limelight for quite some time. Information drive has been carried out by the Department of Health and somehow, the panic has dwindled and people have gone back to their everyday struggle of making a living. Now, the spotlight is back on the drug trade. The shabu tiangge operator has been found guilty by the court of law.

The news reminded me of the random drug test in schools administered last school year. Critics lambasted the program of the Department of Education stating that it wouldn't accomplish anything. It would even be a violation of human rights. Then, the officials announced on national television that those who were found positive would be properly guided and treated.

After all the media hype, what happened to the program? Drug addiction remains to be a menace in the society. The random test was like a painkiller but after it was administered, we haven't heard of any follow up reports. We were made to believe that the days of drug users were numbered since the government considered the eradication of the drug problem its top priority. What's the real score now? Those who were tested positive, were they able to get the help they needed? How about the rest of the student population who remained untested? We still “feel” that there are many drug abusers around and they need all the help we can give.

What can we do in our own little way? Vigilance may be the answer. Drug abusers in schools have advisers and counselors who can help them. They have classmates who know what they're doing. Since the root of the problem may be caused by different factors, the battle maybe difficult to win but it's a challenge we have to face. Classmates may encourage the drug users to join activities that will keep them busy such as sports, club memberships, and other extra-curricular activities.

Drug addiction is worse than a virus that destroys the body. It destroys the very soul of the society. The government cannot do it alone. An initial pill has been given, let's try to provide booster shots.