Red ribbon week reminds Airmen about the dangers of drug abuse

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Marissa Tucker
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  As national Red Ribbon Week kicks off October 23-31, the Drug Demand Reduction office here hopes to constantly remind Airmen of the risks faced when dealing with illegal drugs or improper use of prescription drugs.

"We use random testing as the number one deterrent against drugs," said Allison McQueen, DDR program manager. "We educate Airmen and dependents on the dangers of drug use as preventative measures, but the drug tests are usually the largest factor.

Year round, the office conducts outreach programs to Airmen and also to children and dependents on-base to update them on the newest trends in drugs and how to distance themselves from those situations. With technology advancing and the ease of acquiring drugs at an all time high, the DDR program is aggressively reaching out to the base populace.

"There are many newer drugs such as salvia or spice that have recently been added to the list of prohibited substances and there are people who do not know that," McQueen said. "After the substance is found, it is too late to say you did not know. The Air Force has a zero tolerance for drug use. There's no second chances."

An issue that has been on the rise is misuse of prescription drugs. When Airmen are requested for drug testing, their submission is tested for all illegal drugs and narcotics. If a specimen tests positive for any type of medicine or narcotic, a report is created and compared to the Airmen's medical record. If the medical record shows a prescription for the substance, the report is destroyed, but if not, the legal action begins soon after.

"AFI 44-121, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) Program, makes it illegal for Air Force members to knowingly use any intoxicating substance (other than the lawful use of alcohol or tobacco) in any manner to alter mood or function," said Staff Sgt. Lori Manvell, NCOIC of military justice. "This includes all designer drugs that are not controlled substances, inhalants, propellants, solvents, household chemicals, and prescription or over-the-counter medications when knowingly used in excess of prescribed dosages or in an otherwise improper manner."

"We get many positive tests every time we conduct testing, but we always cross-check with the 4th Medical Group to ensure the Airman was prescribed the medication. In many instances, they were, and they will never know their test came back positive because no action was taken," McQueen said. "When there is no record of the medication or there is an excessive amount in their submission, that is when the process begins."

For use of marijuana, Phenobarbital, and Schedule IV and V controlled substances a person can receive up to two years of confinement for each count they are found guilty of, Manvell said. For Schedule I, II, and III controlled substances, a person can receive up to five years of confinement for each count they are found guilty of.

Depending on the case, Airmen can be discharged and confined in a matter of weeks after a positive test proves them to be guilty of drug use. While discharge is the result of all illegal drug use, there are programs such as Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention & Treatment which Airmen can go to for rehabilitation. The DDR program hopes to keep spreading awareness throughout the base.

For more information on the ADAPT program or drug prevention, call (919) 722-1883.