09-10-2008: KAPP TV 35 /ABC

YAKIMA — Studies show one in five teens abuse prescription drugs. But parents now have a way to find out if their kids are among them.

It’s an at-home hair testing kit that allows parents to collect a sample of their child’s hair, then send it to a drug-testing lab.

The product is called HairConfirm Prescription. It screens for five prescription drugs including vicodin and oxycotin, and seven illegal drugs.

Jim Barth runs a substance abuse clinic in Yakima. He says parents need to be ready if they find out their kids are using.

“Testing is one thing, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle,” says Barth. “If you identify it you need to take action after that.”

A new study shows many websites sell controlled drugs without a prescription.

The drug test will soon be for sale at Bartell stores across the state.