Here’s news of a disturbing new trend. Apparently, there’s a rumor going around that if you are doing drugs and drink bleach before taking a drug test, you will pass with flying colors.
I was reading our local paper yesterday when I ran across the story of three local juveniles who had admitted to drinking bleach to try to pass their drug tests. One juvenile was in court when he passed out. He said that he had not had anything to eat but when paramedics were attending him, he admitted that he had drank bleach earlier in the week. Two other juveniles then admitted to their probation officers that they too had drank bleach for the same reason.
Again, let me emphasize that drinking bleach does not work and it can cause harm when large amounts are ingested. Unfortunately, some kids are going on rumors and trying to beat the system instead of simply getting their acts together. Some kids have tried to affect the outcomes by placing bleach directly into the urine, according to juvenile officials. The way a drug test works is a device is placed in the urine that reacts to substances. The colored bars will reflect a positive or negative result. Thus adding bleach to the urine is supposed to alter the outcome. However, sneaking the bleach in for the test is the problem, hence– let’s just drink it!
But again, the only thing drinking bleach will do is cause a host of symptoms including vomiting, upset stomach, heartburn and in some cases, chemical burns to the inside of the mouth and esophagus. Fortunately, the body can dilute bleach without any lasting effects if done quickly. For instance, if a baby or young child accidentally drinks bleach you can give him about four ounces of liquid to dilute any of the chemical that may still be in the esophagus. But, long term use can cause fatal damage, for example, the scar tissue from chemical burns may constrict the esophagus. There is also the possibility of erosion of the esophagus or the stomach leaking into the body or vomit getting into the lungs.
If this rumor has not reached your town yet, I pray that it never does. Parents should be aware of this issue and make sure it is included as part of your anti-drug talk.
See also:
Student Drug Testing in Middle School
Would You Drug Test Your Child?
Talking to Your Kids About Drugs