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Drug Testing, High School and College Athletes (U.S.)

Drug testing of U.S. student athletes has become an increasingly common practice. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) initiated its drug-testing program in 1986, and many colleges and universities have established their own testing programs in addition to the NCAA. High schools, and even middle schools, are also conducting drug tests of student athletes.

Drug Testing in High School

The drug tests conducted in high schools typically collect urine samples to test for such drugs as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, phencyclidine (PCP), and opioids. Legally, only high school students who participate in competitive activities can be subjected to random drug testing. Schools hope that random drug testing will serve as a deterrent and identify students who would benefit from treatment.

Adolescents’ brains are still developing, which makes them ...

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