Tests as Social Controls

Internal and external social controls are a large part of any offender's supervision. Drug testing is an external control that helps hold offenders accountable for their actions. Urinalysis is designed to not only monitor what the offender is doing while he is in the community, but to give him a good reason to avoid the triggers that tend to result in his taking drugs.

Drug testing is one of the most important components of supervision. Testing offenders should continue throughout supervision. Staff should be aware that even if offenders' tests are negative, the test itself helps the offender learn to control behavior. The stages of change model shows that relapse often occurs during the change process. Consequently staff and offenders must be prepared to respond if and when there is a return to drug use.