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This paper explores the efficacy of the AF urinalysis drug testing program in deterring drug abuse in the current environment. Statistics indicate decreasing illicit drug use since the 1980’s, which could mean one of two things: either Airmen are abusing drugs less frequently or they continue abusing drugs -- but our program is not catching them. Are the numbers misleading because our program is blind to the threat posed by prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) substances for which it does not normally test? Civilian statistics indicate that prescription and OTC misuse is rapidly becoming the most significant drug problem in America. As our AF is a reflection of the civilian sector, potential abuse of these drugs by our Airmen has serious implications for mission readiness. Our military data--the last two DoD health related behavior surveys, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) prevalence studies and information from the key partners in the drug program (law enforcement, judge advocate, command) tells us that prescription and OTC drug abuse occurs in the military. However, much of this data is not readily available to DoD drug policymakers or contains only limited data vis-a-vis drug trends. This paper recommends the AF lead the way in DoD to better integrate processes to assess and then address the potential silent threat to readiness that prescription and OTC drug abuse pose. A comprehensive approach, including an overarching legal framework, is in order. A proactive stance in this battlefield is critical to ensure mission readiness and protect our greatest asset, our people.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
