Aus - Ice scourge prompts loved ones to demand lie detector tests

[CLICKHEREx]

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/ice-scourge-prompts-loved-ones-to-demand-lie-detector-tests/story-e6frg6n6-1226979021876


Alex White
Sunday Herald Sun
July 05, 2014 9:30PM


The ice epidemic has helped increase demand for lie detector tests. Source: Supplied

DESPERATE parents and spouses are turning to lie-­detector tests over fears their loved ones are using ice.

Amphetamine abuse is soaring in Victoria prompting suspicious relatives to ask children as young as 14 to take a test to prove they are drug free.

Australian Polygraph Services is receiving two requests a month from families that believe a sibling, partner or child is on drugs.

In 95 per cent of cases, ice is believed to be the substance being used, according to director Steve Van Aperen.

But in a surprising twist, Mr Van Aperen said most children who agreed to take a lie-detector test proved they were drug free.

“Truthful people will often do anything to exonerate their name,” he said.

“They don’t like being accused by their parents and in half the cases it is the child who is the one asking for it (the test).

“What we do find is people who are taking drugs will cancel at the last moment.’’

Mr Van Aperen said he has refused requests to test children under the age of 16. The most common reason parents and spouses requested a test was because they had ­noticed behavioural change ­including paranoia and scratching.

Mr Van Aperen said the use of polygraph tests was growing in demand with up to 22 inquiries a week across Australia ­including allegations of unfaithful partners and child abuse.

A growing number of families were struggling with the ice epidemic, said Self Help Addiction ­Resource Centre CEO Heather Pickard, and ­she encouraged communication before resorting to science.

“We speak to over 7000 families every year that are in crisis,’’ she said. “Our first port of call with families is to facilitate direct communication, rather than coming in with a police response like requiring a drug test or a polygraph.’’

She said all families were different and encouraged counselling. If you have a relative who needs support call the Family Drug Helpline on 1300 660 068.

Originally published as On ice? Loved ones demand lie detector

[-YT-]

epidemic is a pretty hasty word how true does it hold within this scenario?

[LokStok]

"Australian Polygraph Services is receiving two requests a month from families that believe a sibling, partner or child is on drugs."

a whole 2 a month.

sheesh!

[quarterflesh]

It's taken over my home town Mildura in n/w vic.

[dionysus]

lie detectors are just as bad as ice

edit: lie detectors actually measure nervousness, the people who give the tests are trained to make you nervous with their specific tone and line of questioning. many families and lives have been ruined by these 'tests' when given for personal reasons, ie, did you cheat on your wife.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Yxs9JZm4kw

this video is an okay look at the subject, although heavily slanted in the same direction as my comment.

mean dudes pushing something for cash that breaks families? sounds like ice in a different format to me.

Edited July 6, 2014 by dionysus

[-YT-]

Yeah quarter there was some interesting recent statistics showing a national increase in hospital admissions, drug treatment etc although im not so sure it rivals the black death not to say it isn't an issue. This sort of Vapid journalism pervades articles on the drug issue whilst bringing very little of substance

[wert]

lie detectors are just as bad as ice

edit: lie detectors actually measure nervousness, the people who give the tests are trained to make you nervous with their specific tone and line of questioning. many families and lives have been ruined by these 'tests' when given for personal reasons, ie, did you cheat on your wife.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Yxs9JZm4kw

this video is an okay look at the subject, although heavily slanted in the same direction as my comment.

mean dudes pushing something for cash that breaks families? sounds like ice in a different format to me.

I agree!

Haha little tweakers haunted in there mummy and daddys house.

[Third Sun]

Talk about the cure being worse than the disease. Taking a child in for a lie detector test would be such a violation of his or her trust. Maybe if the parents are less frantic and distrustful then their children would be less likely to abuse drugs.