DRUG FREE – WAY TO BE! ALNG DRUG DEMAND REDUCTION ALABAMA NATIONAL GUARD JOINT SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM (JSAP) UNIT BRIEFING The goal of this briefing is to provide information on the National Guard drug testing policies and education on certain drugs. DRUG FREE – WAY TO BE! ALNG DRUG DEMAND REDUCTION

“Is it worth jeopardizing my future?” CAREER CRASHERS! Testing positive for drugs is a sure way to wreck your military career. Ask yourself “Is it worth jeopardizing my future?” Marijuana Methamphetamine Cocaine Prescription Drugs This briefing will cover these four drugs which are the most commonly abused drugs by soldiers and airmen in recent military drug tests. These four drugs are Marijuana, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and abused Prescription Drugs.

The Adjutant General’s Substance Abuse Policy Substance abuse, to include alcohol and drugs, is considered serious misconduct and is not compatible with military service. The Adjutant General is firmly committed to eliminating substance abuse by soldiers and airmen. Substance abuse can seriously impact soldiers, airmen, and the units in which they serve. Random drug testing is an important tool for preventing substance abuse and determining readiness of soldiers and airmen. REMIMBER - You can be drug tested any time you are in a military status.

Drug Testing Every unit will conduct no less than 2 drug tests per year. Each random list of members to be tested will be developed from a list of ALL personnel assigned. All General Officers, AGR personnel, MPs, Aviation personnel, counterdrug personnel, and members that routinely carry a weapon will be mandatorily drug tested once each year. Every unit will conduct no less than 2 drug tests per year. Each random list will be developed from a list of ALL personnel assigned. This means that even though you are tested the first time does not mean you will NOT be tested again the next time. It is possible to be drug tested every time the drug test is conducted. So the best practice is DON’T USE DRUGS! All General Officers, AGR personnel, MPs, Aviation personnel and members that routinely carry a weapon will be mandatorily drug tested once each year. Again – this does not mean that you will not be randomly selected for a drug test with the rest of the unit. It simply means that these members will participate in at least one mandatory drug test per year.

Prescription Drugs Taking a prescription drug that was prescribed for someone else is considered substance abuse. Only take medication that has been prescribed for you AND only take the medication in the dose prescribed. If you test positive for a drug that has been prescribed for you, you will be given the opportunity to provide the JSAP Office with the prescription and the positive will be cleared. Taking a prescription drug that was prescribed for someone else is considered substance abuse. Only take medication that has been prescribed for you AND only in the dose prescribed. A positive for prescription drugs is forwarded to a Medical Review Officer to determine if the volume of the drug found in the sample provided indicates abuse. Taking too many of your own pain pills is drug abuse. If you test positive for a drug that has been prescribed for you, you will be given the opportunity to provide the JSAP Office with the prescription and the positive will be cleared. Your commander will not be notified unless you are unable to provide the proper documentation to the JSAP Office.

Would you want to be on a mission with someone who is stoned? MARIJUANA Do you want to be on the firing range with someone on drugs? Do you want to fly with someone on drugs? Do you want to fly in an aircraft that has been worked on by someone on drugs? Do you want to be on the road with soldiers driving heavy equipment that use drugs? Think about how someone that uses drugs can affect an entire unit and the unit’s mission. Would you want to be on a mission with someone who is stoned?

BUT IT’S NATURAL! Yes, so is poison ivy – but you wouldn’t want to smoke that! Marijuana’s “natural” smoke contains 3-5 times as much of tobacco’s cancer-causing toxins.

Marijuana is the most commonly abused drug among soldiers and airmen. WHAT IS MARIJUANA? Marijuana is the most commonly abused drug among soldiers and airmen. Marijuana positives are the number one cause of substance abuse discharges in the military.

MARIJUANA IN THE BRAIN Main active chemical is Delta-9-THC (tetra-hydro-cannabinol) THC affects learning and memory. Senses and motivations are also affected by THC. Reflexes are slowed. THC is what shows up in a positive drug test.

SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF USING MARIJUANA Trouble with memory, learning, and problem solving skills can occur after only a few uses. Senses of sight, hearing, touch, time, and depth are distorted. Physical performance is affected.

LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF USING MARIJUANA Permanent damage to thinking and reasoning ability. Increased tolerance (takes more pot to get same result as before). Chronic bronchitis, frequent chest colds, and pneumonia. Most common long term effect is amotivational syndrome. Read the slide. Comment for last bullet. Amotivational Syndrome is defined as apathy, loss of effectiveness, and diminished capacity or willingness to carry out complex, long-term plans, concentrate for long periods, follow routines, or successfully master new material. Verbal facility is often impaired both in speaking and writing. Some individuals exhibit greater introversion, become totally involved with the present at the expense of future goals and demonstrate a strong tendency toward regressive, childlike, thinking. And who wants to work with someone like this? These are the effects on a person when marijuana continues to be used over time.

ONE OF THE GATEWAY DRUGS MJ, tobacco, alcohol, and now misused prescription drugs are known as “Gateway” drugs. Using these makes one more likely to go on to using other illegal drugs. This is important to remember if you have children that are experimenting with smoking or drinking. Don’t just let it go as “something kids do.” Take action before they go on to other riskier behavior.

OTHER FACTS TO KNOW About 33% of arrested reckless drivers tested positive for marijuana in one study (it DOES affect your motor skills!). Possession of pot is illegal and charges carry high fines & jail time.

CRYSTAL, CRANK, SPEED, ICE – TROUBLE BY WHATEVER NAME METHAMPHETAMINE Another fast growing problem in our State as well as in the National Guard is the abuse of Methamphetamine. CRYSTAL, CRANK, SPEED, ICE – TROUBLE BY WHATEVER NAME

METHAMPHETAMINE Meth is “cooked up” by drug dealers in clandestine labs. These labs can be found just about anywhere and are highly volatile and toxic to humans and the environment. The chemical vapors produced during cooking permeate the walls and carpets of dwelling, making them uninhabitable. These labs are often guarded by attack dogs and booby traps. Do you really want to ingest or consume a substance that was prepared by a would-be drug dealer? You don’t have a clue what it is or what’s in it.

WARNING SIGNS OF METH LABS Unusual, strong odors similar to the that of fingernail polish remover or cat urine Renters who pay cash Large amounts of products such as cold medicines, antifreeze, drain cleaner, lantern fuel, coffee filters, batteries, duct tape, clear glass beakers and containers Residences with windows blacked out and lots of nighttime traffic. Because pseudoephedrine is one of the main ingredients used to make meth, beginning 1 JUL 05 cold and allergy decongestants containing pseudonedrine were moved behind the counter or locked in a display case. Customers are now required to show valid ID and sign a log book and are only allowed to purchase 2 packages. You should never approach a suspected meth lab. The lab as well as those doing the drugs are extremely dangerous. Call the local authorities.

METH USE EFFECTS Meth is a powerfully addictive and violent drug. Its use can result in fatal kidney and lung disorders, brain damage, liver damage, chronic depression, and other physical and mental disorders. Recent studies have demonstrated that meth causes more damage to the brain than alcohol, heroin, or cocaine. Users can become dangerous – stay away from them.

METH EFFECTS Meth causes mental confusion, severe anxiety, and paranoia. Methamphetamine users are very aggressive which often results in violent behavior. (Stay away from people you know are doing this drug.) There is a direct relationship between methamphetamine abuse and increased incidents of domestic violence and child abuse.

“Is meth use worth jeopardizing my future?” Using meth is illegal. It hurts your loved ones. It is detrimental to your health and physical appearance. It destroys the environment. It is wildly addictive & Leaves ruined lives in its path. Do we want soldiers and airmen on a mission? Not worth it!

Short-lived fantasy high, long lasting real-life nightmare. COCAINE AND CRACK Unfortunately, cocaine and crack are also abused by a few of our soldiers and airmen. Short-lived fantasy high, long lasting real-life nightmare.

COCAINE/CRACK What’s the difference? Cocaine is the powdered form of the drug, usually sniffed up the nose, but sometimes diluted & injected into a vein. Crack is the purest form of cocaine and is smoked. Crack is cocaine.

COCAINE/CRACK In any form it causes immense cravings – it is highly addictive in a very short time. Users develop a marked tolerance – more is needed to achieve the same effect as before. Addicts empty bank accounts, sell possessions, commit crimes, sell bodies, and betray loved ones to get more of the drug. Cocaine is the only drug which animals will self administer until they die. They will choose cocaine over food, water, and even in spite of electric shock.

Physical Effects of COCAINE Increased blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and temperature. Irregular heart rhythm & altered blood pressure. Heart attack, strokes and respiratory failure. Hepatitis or AIDS from shared needles. Reduction of the body’s ability to resist or combat infection.

Psychological Effects of COCAINE Violent, erratic, or paranoid behavior. Hallucinations and coke bugs – the sensation of bugs crawling over skin. Confusion, anxiety and depression, loss of interest in food or sex. “Cocaine psychosis” – losing touch with reality, loss of interest in friends, family, sports, hobbies, and other activities. Some users spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on cocaine and crack each week and will do anything to support their habit. Many turn to drug selling, prostitution or other crimes. If you or someone you know has a drug problem, there is help available. Contact a local treatment agency or talk with your First Sergeant or Commander.

“It won’t happen to me,” you say? COCAINE/CRACK “It won’t happen to me,” you say? In a recent year over 165,000 emergency room visits were due to cocaine use. In that year, over 4500 users died from cocaine, not including those murdered for using or selling it. Up to 75% of people who try cocaine will become addicted to it. Only 1 out of 4 who try to quit will be able to without help. It happened to all these folks who thought the same thing, “It won’t happen to me.”

“Is cocaine use worth jeopardizing my future?” Do a line and you may do some time!

Legal when used as PRESCRIBED by a physician. PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Legal when used as PRESCRIBED by a physician.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS The nonmedical use or abuse of prescription drugs is a serious and growing public health problem in the U.S. Prescription drugs are legal – but only if you have a prescription for them. Doctors write prescriptions based on health conditions, body size and other factors. Using them without a prescription (or letting someone else use them) is illegal and dangerous. Legal only if you have a CURRENT prescription given to YOU by a Physician!

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS The most commonly abused prescription drugs are: Stimulants may cause increased or irregular heart beat, paranoia, or seizures. Narcotics (Pain Relievers): Can easily lead to addiction or serious overdose. Depressants cause slow brain functioning, confusion and memory loss. 3 types of abused prescription drugs.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Many depressants have warning labels like, “Do Not use when operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.” They can impair your driving ability the same as alcohol. The effects of depressants are also multiplied when used with alcohol. Mission effectiveness is compromised when troops misuse drugs.

DRUG TESTING FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Effective 1 OCT 05, all specimens will be tested for Oxycodone. Remember – The use of bodybuilding supplements containing steroids are prohibited and are illegal. THC consumed in any form is prohibited. Effective 1 October 05 specimens will be tested for prescription drug abuse like Oxycodone (OxyContin). Illegal steroids are those taken for body building purposes and do not include those prescribed for inflammation. The illegal substance found in Marijuana is THC. Any urine sample that tests positive for THC will be processed for discharge no matter how the soldier or airman consumed the THC. Unit members need to be drug-free to be most effective in accomplishing our missions.

WHAT IS AT STAKE? “It’s my body, it’s my life...” is a line that can be very costly to: Your Family Your Career Your Future Your Reputation Your Life! Ask yourself, “Is doing drugs worth jeopardizing my future?”

FOR MORE INFORMATION Several helpful resources and websites are available: www.intheknowzone.com www.saying-no.com www.streetdrugs.org www.health.org www.freevibe.com www.theantidrug.com Google searches will bring up many more sites for more information.

QUESTIONS? For more information on substance abuse, its effects or treatment, please contact your National Guard Joint Substance Abuse Office at (334) 394-7559

JOINT SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM (JSAP) This concludes the Unit Drug Briefing. UNIT DRUG EDUCATION BRIEFING 1 October 2005