Alabama National Guard Substance Abuse Prevention Newcomers Briefing

1. Alabama National Guard Substance Abuse Prevention Newcomers Briefing

2. OBJECTIVES • Drug and Alcohol Testing • Command actions for alcohol or drug incidents • Screening Outcomes • Define Limited Use Policy 2

3. The Adjutant General’s Substance Abuse Policy • Substance abuse, alcohol and drugs, is considered serious misconduct and is not compatible with military service. • The Alabama National Guard is firmly committed to eliminating substance abuse by its members. • Random drug testing is an important tool for preventing substance abuse and determining readiness of soldiers and airmen. 3

5. BENEFITS LOST AFTER BEING DISCHARGED FOR DURG POSITIVE • Affiliation and Extension Bonuses(MUST BE PAID BACK)……….$15,000 • CH 33 G.I. Bill (Post 911)……………………………………………...$40,000 • Montgomery G.I. Bill Bonus…………………………………………..$ 4,500 • G.I. Bill Kicker…………………………………………………………..$ 7,200 • 100% Federal Tuition Assistance……………………………………..$ 4,000 • Student Loan Re-payment……………………………………………..$20,000 • Collect a salary while you serve………………………………………$ 2,000 • Life Insurance Coverage……………………………………………...$400,000 • Dental Insurance Coverage……………………………………………$ 2,500 • TOTAL $ 486,956 • Free License Plate • Eligible for VA Home Loans • Earn towards Retirement • Not just the monetary benefits are lost, intangibles like your own self confidence knowing that you are doing something positive for yourself and those around you.

6. Drug Testing • All specimens are tested for: • THC, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Ecstasy and Heroin. • At least 2 other drugs on a rotational basis including LSD, PCP, opiates and synthetic opiates. • All Prescription drugs. • Soldiers testing positive for amphetamines, opiates or synthetic opiates will be referred to a Medical Review Officer (MRO); this physician will determine if the positive is due to legal (prescription) use or illegal use/prescription abuse 6

7. Drug Testing • Commanders are in charge of Unit Testing • Soldiers can be tested any time while on Orders to included but limited to Title 32 (IDT, AT, ADSW, AGR, School) and Title 10 • Soldiers will be observed while providing a specimen – must see the urine leaving the body • All General Officers, AGR personnel, MPs, Aviation personnel and members that routinely carry a weapon will be mandatorily drug tested once each year. 7

8. Drug Policies Soldiers identified as drug abusers – using illegal drugs, using someone else’s prescribed drugs or abusing your own prescription. TITLE 32 • Referred for screening at Clinical ASAP or State Certified Facility. • Processed for administrative separation. • Reduction in rank. TITLE10 • Considered for disciplinary action under UCMJ • Courts-Martial • Article 15 8

9. Alcohol Testing • Commanders may test the unit or parts of the unit randomly for alcohol • Blood Alcohol Content based on breath test of .05% is considered impaired on-duty • Test will be confirmed by MP breathalyzer or Blood Alcohol Test at the MTF. 9

10. Alcohol Policies Alcohol related incidents • Referred for screening to a State Certified Facility by Unit Commander • An administrative separation action will be processed for Soldiers involved in two serious incidents of alcohol related misconduct in a year or two DWI/DUIs in military career. • Alcohol related Incidents (Misconduct) include: • Impaired on duty • DWI/DUIs • Underage drinking • Providing alcohol to someone under 21 • Negative incident involving alcohol – fighting, child or spouse abuse etc. 10

11. Assessment and Treatment • All SMs that self refer for a substance abuse issue must have an assessment and complete treatment at a State Certified Facility in order to be considered for retention. • The SM MUST pay out of pocket for all treatment and assessment costs. The Military will not pay for any SA treatment.

12. Screening By Treatment Facility • Possible Outcomes: • No treatment required at this time • Refer to Alcohol or Drug Abuse Prevention Training • Group therapy sessions • Outpatient treatment • Intensive inpatient treatment _ Refer to Other types of counseling i.e. marriage, abuse, financial, mental health, etc. 12

13. Limited Use Policy Objectives: • Encourage Soldiers to self refer for substance abuse problems. Commanders are not required to initiate separation actions on Soldiers who self-refer. • To facilitate the treatment and rehabilitation of those identified abusers who demonstrate the potential for rehabilitation and retention. 13

14. The Limited Use Policy • Limits the negative actions that can be taken against a Soldier who self refers and admits drug use or alcohol abuse. • Protects the Soldier from charges of admitted use and possession prior to his/her self referral. • Prohibits the use of certain types of urinalysis test results in courts-martial, UCMJ or for an unfavorable characterization of service. These test results are Protected Evidence. 14

15. The Limited Use Policy Is not a “Get out of Jail Free Card” for a unit urinalysis. Once a Soldier is notified of a urinalysis it is too late to self refer for that test. Does not protect a Soldier of future drug use or possession of drugs. Does not protect against other illegal activities associated with previous use such as stealing, assault, etc. 15

16. Summary • Alcohol abuse and Drug use is incompatible with military service and reduces unit and Soldier readiness. • Soldiers will be tested for drug use and alcohol abuse. • If you believe you may have a problem seek help before you ruin your career. • Remember your WARRIOR PRIDE! 16

17. ALCOHOL & DRUG CONTROL OFFICER • ADCO: - Anthony Migliore - Office: 334-274-6303 - Cell: 334-620-3242 • Prevention Coordinator: • Michael Garner • Office: 334-274-6305 • Cell: 703-317-7931

18. Website: www.alabamacounterdrug.com