DoD to include commonly abused prescription drugs in drug testing program

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Sarah Ruckriegle
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  On Jan. 31, 2012 the Secretary of Defense announced the military will expand drug testing to include testing for commonly abused prescription drugs starting May 2012.

The policy is designed to discourage the misuse of prescription drugs and encourage anyone currently abusing prescription drugs to voluntarily self-refer for medical treatment or rehabilitation before May 2012. The new policy will not increase the number of urinalysis tests or alter the testing process but it will mean an additional test on the sample looking specifically for prescription narcotics. Airmen who are selected for urinalysis but have valid prescriptions for narcotics are not required to bring in the prescription or any additional documentation.

"The readiness, safety, and health of our Airmen is a high priority for the Desert Lightning Team," said Col. John Cherrey, 355th Fighter Wing commander. "This new drug testing policy is being implemented in order to ensure their wellbeing and maintain a posture of readiness. It is the responsibility of commanders, supervisors, and individual Airmen to know and follow the new policy. I encourage anyone who is misusing prescription narcotics to seek help from the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program immediately."

The Department of Defense and Air Force policy states that members who do not self-refer for treatment or rehabilitation and subsequently tests positive for using controlled substances inappropriately may be considered in violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Taking prescription drugs without a prescription, when not used for their prescribed purpose, in excess of the prescribed amount, beyond their expiration date and to consume someone else's prescription drugs are all considered abuse of a controlled substance.

The policy reminds Airmen and commanders to closely read Air Force Instruction 44-121 on the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) Program, especially section 3.7 which outlines the conditions, limitations and methods of self reporting. Under AFI 44-121 any member who voluntarily discloses personal drug use or possession specifically to the unit commander, first sergeant, military medical personnel or a substance abuse evaluator with the intent of entering drug treatment will be granted limited protection under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. However, members cannot self-identify any time after having been ordered to provide a sample, including after a sample has been returned with a positive result.

For more information on the drug testing policy please contact Mr. Udo Kosatschenko at 228-5755 or for more information on the ADAPT Program please contact Capt. Andrew Shelley or Tech. Sgt. Jorge Hastings at 228-5507.