"Drug of choice" not a choice

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Carolyn Viss
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A "drug of choice" has been identified by the 7th Medical Group and Dyess' Office of Special Investigations, but choosing to use it leaves Air Force members without many choices.

Cocaine, also known as coke, snow, crack or rock, is popular in the local area because the cost has dropped in the last several years and it's easier to make than some of its rival drugs; but, as with all illegal drugs, anyone found using it will be involuntarily discharged from the Air Force, said Theodis Talbert, Dyess' Drug Demand Reduction Program manager.

"Drug use is still out there, alive and well," said Mr. Talbert. "Even though military members know drug use is incompatible with the military mission, it's still used. But Dyess is fighting back with a multi-faceted testing and assessment program."

In fact, Dyess is one of the first bases in the Air Combat Command to incorporate "smart testing." A majority of Air Force drug users are between E-1 and E-4 or O-1 and O-2 in rank and between the ages of 18 and 25. "Smart" testing takes the Air Force-wide statistics and incorporates the data into the software it uses for random urinalysis selection, he said.

"In addition to the full-force sweeps, we conduct unit sweeps and our current wing commander has also implemented a gate readiness inspection program where at any given time, mandatory and immediate testing will be done without notice for folks going on or off base," he said.

Testing is done in accordance with the standards set in AFI 44-120, which states that testing shall be frequent enough to preclude predictability (no less than eight days per month) and daily testing is strongly encouraged. Mr. Talbert said Dyess always strives to surpass requirements and eliminate the predictability of testing.

"If someone pops positive for a substance they are using with no medical reason to account for it, they will almost certainly be discharged," Mr. Talbert said.

"Drug use is completely incompatible with the Air Force lifestyle," said Steve Eurich, Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program counselor. "The Air Force is constantly assessing the fitness and suitability of its members to be ready for military duty, and any time you're abusing any substance, it's a problem."

"Drug abuse" refers to more than illegal drugs, Mr. Talbert said. The illicit use of drugs also includes improper use of prescriptions, which includes mixing them with alcohol.

According to the AFI, Air Force members with substance abuse problems are encouraged to seek assistance from the unit commander, first sergeant, substance abuse counselor, or a military medical professional. Following the assessment, the ADAPT program manager will consult with the treatment team, and determine an appropriate clinical course of action. Commanders will grant limited protection for Air Force members who reveal this information with the intention of entering treatment.

"If you suspect someone you know is abusing a substance, talk to them and ensure you or they talk to an immediate supervisor," Mr. Talbert recommended. "It's your responsibility to check on your fellow Airmen and make sure they get the help they need. Using or abusing drugs could be a life or death decision."