Clinical vs. Forensic Drug Testing

Drug testing is one of the most frequently used and most frequently misunderstood tools in treatment court settings. When used appropriately, drug testing can provide valuable clinical information to guide treatment decisions. When misused or misinterpreted, it can lead to inappropriate sanctions, erosion of the therapeutic alliance, ethical conflicts for providers, and poor outcomes for participants.
This session clarifies the critical distinctions between clinical and forensic drug testing, including differences in purpose, methodology, interpretation, and professional responsibility. Participants will review ASAM guidance on the appropriate use of drug testing and explore how courts’ expectations sometimes push treatment providers beyond their ethical scope of practice.