Dear Dr. Wes: Could you please tell me how long the following drugs stay in your system (mainly urine):
Cocaine
Meth;Crystal;crank
Marijuana
Valiums
xanax
I am 26 years old - 5'5'" tall and I weigh 140 lbs. What can I do to clean out my system, so I can pass a drug screen for a new job? I don't really want to go out and buy any of the remedies out now that guarantee your money back. Please help.

You already know the answer to this. The best way to screen negative is to avoid drugs in the first place. As a physician, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to coach you on how to give a false negative in a drug test. And it's not really fair to the employer, either. Try to deal from truth, and make your decisions based on truth. You'll live a happier and healthier life!

Dear Dr. Wes: I'm currently being drug/alcohol tested and I'm no longer doing either. However, I am dating a guy who does drink and smokes marijuana. I'm 5'2'', 125lbs, if I am being drug tested, and kiss this guy a lot, is there any way that that will show up in drug/alcohol tests? Thanks!!

If you are present while he is smoking his marijuana your test could turn up positive. If not, you cannot give a positive urine drop by simply kissing him.

Dear Dr. H: My son is 18 and graduated from high school and working full time. I saw some e mail he was sending to friends and it was obvious that drinking is what he and his friends have been doing lately for fun. He does have his own car and I'm sure he is probably driving home from these parties from time to time although I have not smelled it, he often spends the nights else where. I do not want to over react which I sometime have a tendency to do. not overreacting about the subject ( it's a serious problem) but sometime I seem to over react when trying to stop him or talk to him about these kind of subjects. How should I approach this with him?

Go over what you want to say with yourself first - a practice session. You could emphasize the DUI penalties, especially for underage drinking (see our State Laws section), and ask him to imagine himself without the freedom of a vehicle, and/or ask him to develop an alternative plan to drinking and driving for the future (such as a taxi).

Bring this up to him when he is in a receptive frame of mind, not as an isolated topic, but as part of a general "how goes it" about finances, job, school, etc. Also, remember he must be the one to take action - you can't. Hopefully, he won't have to visit the school of Hard Knocks! With a little perception, he will also pick up on the genuine concern you show for him.

Dear Dr. H: Do you think it is okay for teens to drink (not to excess, just a little) if they have someone to drive them home?

No, because it's not ok to break the law - even "just a little." Unfortunately, teens are exposed to alcohol enough without us fueling the fire. Also, there should be some thought given to the idea of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Being the parent of a teen will never be popular or comfortable spot. Setting a good example about abiding the law will at the very least establish a safe and responsible model with realistic expectations.

Dear Dr. H: A young family member over the age of 21 has gotten herself into serious trouble with alcohol and looks to lose a lot in her life if something doesn't happen soon. As she is over 21, I imagine that we can't just check her into a facility, but are thinking of doing an intervention. She is suffering from alcohol abuse and bulimia. Can you offer some guidance on how to do a good intervention?

These problems have been going on for some time. Individual, group and family counseling are indicated in this case, and would improve the situation. Contact you local mental health agency and ask what role you might be allowed to take in intervention. This varies from state to state. Working on her self image is a complicated process. She would benefit from the support of a group with like issues. One thing is for certain - if an intervention does not take place, this may quickly go from bad to worse.

Dear Judge Tony: If a bunch of friends were drinking and they put their beers in my car unopened and I didn't drink anything, can I get charged with DUI?

In Illinois, where I am a judge, the laws says that you would have to be driving and under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a combination. Your facts suggest "no," but you could be charged with transportation of alcohol. If you are under 21, and convicted of this crime, you can have your driver's license suspended.

Dear Judge Tony: What do u think about changing the legal drinking age to 18 --- well, I'm not retarded, you are most likely going to say "no." But why???

The legislature passes the laws, I interpret them. My personal feelings are irrelevant. You can talk to your state representative or state senator about how you think laws should read. He or she may then cite statistics regarding alcohol, crashes and underage drivers.

Dear Judge Tony: I am a 26-yr-old male. I was arrested and ticketed last night for DUI after driving my car into (and knocking over) a streetlight/lamp. I was obviously intoxicated (and shaken up), and I told the questioning officer that I had been drinking when he asked. I did not take a breathalyzer test; I had difficulty taking the field sobriety test and indicated to the officer that I "[would] fail it". I am currently in treatment for depression and I am taking fluoxetine (Prozac). I have become increasingly aware of my drinking problem lately and last week (i.e. prior to the incident) made an appointment for an evaluation at a local alcohol and substance abuse treatment center. I want to get help; I need to stop drinking. It was truly a blessing that I did not hurt anyone. Given my situation (this is a first arrest), my obvious guilt and admission thereof, and my mental health situation, can you give me some estimation regarding sentencing? Do you believe that I will serve jail time? Will I be without a driver's license for more than 6 months to a year? Does the fact that I am taking Prozac compound my problem (i.e.Can I be charged with additional offenses? Will the Judge have more latitude in sentencing?) Thank you for your time and attention. I would greatly appreciate any comments and advice you could offer.

First, I would like to commend you that you have admitted that you have a problem and are seeking help. This is always a factor a judge will take into consideration in crafting a sentence that punishes your violation, yet seeks to rehabilitate and restore you to useful citizenship. We, as judges, also look to protect the community.

Second, it is in your best interest to hire n attorney who practices and is knowledgeable in DUI cases. If you don't have an attorney in mind you can always get a referral from the local bar association. He or she will be able to walk you through the process and advise you regarding decisions you need to make on your case.

Third, with regard to you situation, I assume you are a first time offender. With regard to your license suspension, you would be suspended for six months, with the possibility of attacking the suspension in court. Your attorney can also ask the judge or secretary of state for limited driving privileges. On the DUI case, first time offenders are eligible for supervision with treatment. There are no mandatory jail sentences, but I don't want to speak for another Judge as to what he/she thinks the appropriate sentence should be. That is why you hire an attorney.

Fourth, in Illinois, we have a provision of the DUI statutes that addresses driving under the combined influence of drugs and alcohol. It is up to the prosecutor to file the charges they find appropriate. Your state's statutes may differ. Again, let your attorney deal with that.

Judge Tony Cook County Circuit Court Judge who has specialized in DUI and is active in DUI legislation Dr. Wes Licensed Physician, Board-Certified Addictions Medicine Specialist Michael Logan Certified Personal Fitness Trainer, Medical Exercise Specialist Dr. H. Clinical Psychologist and Substance Abuse Counselor