Nellis widens drug testing net Published March 7, 2012 By Senior Airman Jack Sanders 99 Air Base Wing Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The Department of Defense is taking a new stand against prescription drug abuse with an expansion of the drug urinalysis testing system, and Nellis Air Force Base will ramp up its testing efforts to support it. Beginning next month, Nellis Air Force Base's Drug Demand Reduction Program office will expand military drug testing to include more commonly abused prescription drugs. "In a nutshell, this new policy is testing for several additional types of drugs that are widely abused," said Capt. Jeffrey Wood, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program manager. "With the new testing, we aren't changing our existing zero tolerance for drug abuse policy, but we are casting a much wider net in testing for abuse." Prescription drug abuse is defined within the DOD as "the use of prescription drugs outside their intended purpose, beyond their prescribed dates, in excess of the prescribed dosing regimen, or the use of another's prescribed medications." Servicemembers who are misusing prescriptions are encouraged to immediately seek medical treatment and rehabilitation for themselves in a military medical treatment facility on a self-referral basis prior to the initiation of testing for these drugs. Individuals who choose not to self-refer for treatment and then test positive for controlled substances they do not have a current, valid prescription for may be considered in violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice for drug misuse and abuse, according to DoD policies. When prescription drugs are misused in these ways they can become dangerous and highly addictive. Prescription drug abuse is a common and rising trend across the DoD. Military members seeking substance-abuse counseling can talk to their doctor, chain of command or self-refer to the substance abuse program in their service. In addition, Military OneSource has contracted civilian counselors that provide confidential assessment and counseling to military personnel and their families. Military OneSource can be contacted at 1-800-342-9647, or through the internet at www.militaryonesource.com/mos/about/counselingservices.aspx. Nellis will also be participating in the Drug Enforcement Agency's National Drug Take Back Day April 28, 2012. Those wishing to participate may take their expired medication to the Base Exchange entrance for collection and proper disposal. The point of contact for the event is Capt. Daniel Lim, who can be contacted at 702-653-3201. Last year's drug take back day resulted in 116 pounds of drugs collected here, the most collected at any ACC base. "Federal law controls the transfer of medications - whenever controlled medications are dispensed, there is a requirement for labeling that specifically prohibits use by persons other than for who the medication was proscribed," said Lim. "The Take Back Day can help prevent sharing or accidental use of controlled or expired medications that would violate the law or pose a safety hazard," he said. "This is another avenue for us to avoid illegal drug use."
