Does the Military Test Active Duty Service Members for Drug Use?

For many individuals serving in the military, the expectations around behavior and health during military service are significantly different than those in civilian life. One of the most important aspects of military readiness is ensuring that service members are physically and mentally fit for duty. This includes enforcing policies around drug use and maintaining a strict, drug-free environment.

But the question many ask is: Does the military test active-duty service members for drug use?

The short answer is yes. The military has rigorous and regular testing protocols in place designed to identify and deter drug use among its ranks. These measures are in place to ensure that service members can perform at their best, both in training and on the battlefield, and to protect the integrity and readiness of the Armed Forces.

Our resource for WellBeing Magazine offers a more detailed breakdown and goes into the specifics of testing procedures and what to expect if you or a loved one are in the US military.

Military Policy on Drug Testing

The military has a strict policy on drug testing to ensure the health, safety, and readiness of its personnel. This policy is designed to prevent and detect drug use among service members, providing support and resources for those who may be struggling with addiction.

It applies to all service members, including active duty, reserve, and National Guard personnel.

The military’s drug testing policy is grounded in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Instruction 1010.16. These regulations mandate that service members participate in random urinalysis testing and report any prescription or over-the-counter medication use to their commanding officer.

The policy strictly prohibits the use of illicit drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and heroin, ensuring that all military personnel maintain the highest standards of conduct and readiness.

The Substances the Armed Forces Tests For

When it comes to testing for drug use, the military has clear guidelines about what substances are prohibited and what substances they actively test for. These are crucial for keeping the force healthy, functional, and ready for any challenge that may arise.

The military strictly prohibits the use of any illicit drug, including those that are commonly abused in civilian life.

Here are some of the most common the substances the Armed Forces tests for:

1. Marijuana (THC):Although marijuana laws have relaxed in some states across the U.S., it remains strictly prohibited in the military. The Armed Forces conducts regular and random urine tests to detect THC, the active compound in marijuana, in a service member’s system. Despite its legal status in some areas, the military does not permit its use under any circumstance.

2. Cocaine: Cocaine is another highly restricted substance within the military. Even a single use can result in severe consequences, including discharge. Military drug tests often screen for the metabolites of cocaine in urine or blood, and this drug is routinely tested for in random drug screenings.

3. Opiates (Heroin, Prescription Painkillers):With the opioid crisis affecting many parts of the country, the military is no exception when it comes to testing for substances like heroin, morphine, and codeine. These substances are often tested for in both urine and blood tests, especially when there is reason to believe a service member might be misusing prescription painkillers or using illicit substances.

4. Methamphetamine (Meth):Methamphetamine use is strictly prohibited in the military. Meth is a stimulant that has devastating effects on physical and mental health. Military drug testing protocols can detect meth through urinalysis, and any positive result could lead to legal action and discharge.

5. MDMA (Ecstasy):MDMA, or ecstasy, is also a banned substance in the military. This psychoactive drug, often associated with parties and raves, can impair judgment and create dangerous situations. Ecstasy is typically tested for in drug screenings, particularly those conducted during random or suspicion-based testing.

6. Prescription Drugs and Over-the-Counter Medications: The military also closely monitors the use of prescription drugs and even over-the-counter medications that could impair a service member’s ability to perform their duties. For instance, drugs like benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax) and certain antihistamines are tested for, as these can impair cognitive and motor skills. Service members are required to disclose any medications they are taking, especially if they have the potential to interfere with their performance.

7. Alcohol: While alcohol is legal, its use is still monitored carefully, especially when it affects a service member’s readiness and fitness for duty. The military has strict rules surrounding alcohol use, particularly with regards to underage drinking and consumption while on duty.

How Does the Military Test for Drug Use?

The military uses a variety of testing methods to ensure its members are adhering to the no-drug-use policy. Random drug testing is a common practice in the military to ensure compliance with the no-drug-use policy. These methods include:

Urinalysis Testing: Urinalysis is the most common method of drug testing in the military. This can occur at random or as part of a required drug screening. Urine samples are collected and sent to military-approved labs, where they are tested for the presence of banned substances.

Blood Testing: Blood tests are typically used when more precise or specialized information is needed. This method can detect substances in the bloodstream that may not show up in urine tests. While blood tests are not as commonly used as urine tests, they are conducted in certain situations, such as accidents or in the case of suspicion-based testing.

Hair Follicle Testing: In some cases, hair follicle testing is also used, especially if there’s suspicion of drug use over a longer period. Drugs can remain in a person’s hair for several months, making hair follicle testing a useful tool in tracking long-term use.

Saliva Testing: Saliva tests are less common but can be used to detect drugs, particularly if the substance has been consumed recently. While not as widely used as urine tests, saliva testing may still play a role in some military drug screenings.

Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP)

The Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) is a comprehensive initiative aimed at preventing and treating substance abuse among Army personnel. ASAP offers a range of services designed to support service members and their families, ensuring that those struggling with addiction receive the help they need.

ASAP provides:

• Counseling: Individual and group counseling services are available to help service members address and overcome addiction.
• Treatment: The program offers various treatment services, including medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapy, tailored to the needs of each individual.
• Education: ASAP conducts education and training sessions on substance abuse prevention and treatment, promoting awareness and understanding among service members.
• Support: Resources and support are also extended to family members and commanders, helping them assist their loved ones and subordinates in their recovery journey.

What Happens If You Fail a Drug Test in the Military?

Failing a drug test in the military is a serious offense, and the consequences can be severe. Depending on the circumstances, a service member may face disciplinary actions, which can include:

1. Administrative Separation:
This means the service member is involuntarily discharged from the military. Depending on the severity of the offense, the discharge may be honorable, general, or dishonorable. A dishonorable discharge can significantly affect a person’s future, including their civilian employment opportunities.

2. Legal Consequences:
In some cases, failing a drug test can lead to legal actions, including court-martial. This is especially true if the offense involves trafficking or distributing drugs.

3. Rehabilitation Programs:
For service members who are caught using drugs but demonstrate a willingness to improve, the military may offer rehabilitation programs. These programs can include counseling, therapy, and support to help service members return to duty. However, repeated drug offenses or failing to complete the program may result in more severe consequences.

Challenging a Positive Drug Test

If a service member tests positive for drugs, there are several ways to challenge the test results:

• Requesting a Re-test: Service members can request a re-test if they believe the initial test results were incorrect. This can help verify the accuracy of the original test.
• Providing Medical Documentation: If a service member has a legitimate prescription for a medication that caused the positive result, they can provide medical documentation to explain its presence in their system.
• Claiming Innocent Ingestion: In some cases, service members may claim that they unknowingly ingested a substance that led to the positive test result. This defense requires substantial evidence to support the claim.

Getting Help for Drug Use Using Military Insurance

It’s important to remember that addiction and drug abuse are medical conditions, and the military recognizes that some service members may struggle with substance abuse. If you or someone you know is facing a drug use issue while serving in the Armed Forces, there are resources available.

Service members can get help for drugs using military insurance, particularly through programs offered by the Department of Defense (DoD). Military insurance, such as TRICARE, provides access to a variety of mental health and substance abuse services. These services include:

1. Outpatient Treatment: Service members can access outpatient counseling and therapy for drug and alcohol abuse. This includes one-on-one therapy, group therapy, and support groups.

2. Inpatient Rehabilitation: For those struggling with more severe addiction, inpatient rehabilitation may be necessary. Military insurance can cover the cost of these treatments, which provide a safe and supportive environment for recovery.

3. Detox Programs: Detoxification is often the first step in treating addiction, and military insurance can cover medically supervised detox programs to ensure service members safely manage withdrawal symptoms.

4. Support Groups: In addition to formal treatment, the military provides access to support groups, including those modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These groups provide ongoing support and accountability, helping service members maintain sobriety.

If you’re in need of assistance, it’s essential to reach out to your healthcare provider or the military’s behavioral health services for guidance. The military understands the importance of helping its members overcome addiction and offers various support programs to ensure that service members can continue to serve with the readiness and integrity that the Armed Forces demand.

A Sampling of Resources for Military Members

Several resources are available to military members who may be struggling with addiction or who have tested positive for drugs:

• Military OneSource: A confidential counseling service that provides support and resources for military members and their families, helping them navigate challenges related to substance abuse.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): A government agency offering resources and support for individuals dealing with addiction, including military personnel.
• Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA provides comprehensive resources and support for veterans struggling with addiction, ensuring they receive the care they need.
• Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP): ASAP offers education, counseling, and treatment services specifically for Army personnel, helping them overcome substance abuse and maintain their readiness for duty.

The military also implements various prevention strategies to reduce the incidence of drug use among its ranks.

By utilizing these resources, military members can access the support and treatment services they need to address substance abuse issues and continue to serve effectively.

Getting Proactive and Seeking Help Pays Off in the Military

The military has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drug use, and regular drug testing is an essential component of maintaining a drug-free environment. The substances the Armed Forces test for include marijuana, cocaine, opioids, methamphetamines, and more. These tests are carried out through various methods, including urinalysis and blood tests.

While the consequences of failing a drug test can be severe, it’s important to remember that help is available.

If you are struggling with drug use, you can get help for drugs using military insurance, with access to inpatient and outpatient treatment, detox programs, and support groups designed to help you recover and regain your fitness for duty. The military’s commitment to the health and well-being of its service members is a key part of maintaining an effective and capable force.

If you or someone you know is dealing with addiction in the Armed Forces, reach out to the appropriate resources and begin the path to recovery today, being proactive is the best way to keep your career intact and get needed help before consequences mount.