SecDef expands drug testing for prescription medications Published June 6, 2012 By Senior Airman Marissa Tucker 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TURKEY -- Airmen should routinely exercise caution when using prescription and over-the-counter medications as the Secretary of Defense mandated all armed forces urinalysis centers to expand drug testing to include prescription drugs. The mandate stems from a Department of Defense initiative to counter the nation's growing epidemic of prescription drug abuse and encourage those abusing prescription medications to seek treatment, according to a DoD press release. Airmen will note no changes in the testing procedures. Submissions will undergo screening for not only controlled substances such as narcotics, but also prescription and over-the-counter drugs, said Cynthia Foster, Incirlik Drug Demand Reduction program manager. "The intended misuse of any prescription or over-the-counter medication is punishable by the (Uniform Code of Military Justice)," Foster said. "Airmen are highly cautioned to follow the directions provided when taking medications." Samples are collected and sent to a screening center where analysts test them for a panel of substances. Positive results can trigger an investigation into an Airman's medical history to check for prescriptions, which explains the importance for Airmen taking only drugs prescribed to them and to not misuse them or over-the-counter products. The discovery of unauthorized substances in a drug test can quickly affect one's Air Force career. It can be very easy to begin taking leftover medication when similar medicals issues return, or for people to take more than the prescribed dosage because an ailment worsens. As harmless as it seems, these actions can lead to a positive drug test due to an unauthorized medication observed in an Airman's system. All medications must be recorded in Airmen's military medical records. It is the Airman's duty to ensure their prescriptions are current. If the current dosage is ineffective, Incirlik Airmen are encouraged to visit the 39th Medical Group for a re-evaluation. If Airmen believe they have a problem with abusing prescription or over-the-counter drugs or products, officials urge them to contact a medical professional immediately. "Treatment and rehabilitation is available for any Airman with a substance abuse issue," Foster said. The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program can help Airmen work though addiction issues. According to Air Force Instruction 44-121, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program, Airmen can receive limited protections under certain circumstances for voluntary disclosure of prior drug use or possession to unit commanders, first sergeants, a substance abuse evaluator or a military medical professional. Once an Airman has been ordered to provide a urine sample as part of the drug testing program, any disclosure is not considered voluntary. At Incirlik, patients of the 39th MDG are encouraged to return unused medications to the pharmacy for proper disposal. The pharmacy is open 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for prescription medication turn-in. For any questions about DDR procedures, call DSN 676-5891. To contact the ADAPT program, call DSN 676-6452.