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What drugs does the navy test for?

What Drugs Does the Navy Test For?

The United States Navy has a zero-tolerance policy towards drug use among its personnel. As part of its commitment to maintaining a drug-free workforce, the Navy conducts regular drug testing for its sailors, officers, and civilians. But what drugs does the Navy test for?

The Navy’s Drug Testing Program

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The Navy’s drug testing program is designed to detect and deter drug use among its personnel. The program is administered by the Navy’s Substance Abuse Program (SAP), which is responsible for ensuring that all personnel are drug-free and capable of performing their duties safely and effectively.

Drug Classes Tested For

The Navy tests for five classes of drugs:

  • Illegal drugs: These include drugs that are illegal under federal law, such as heroin, cocaine, and marijuana.
  • Prescription drugs: These include prescription medications that are not properly used or prescribed, such as opioids and benzodiazepines.
  • Stimulants: These include drugs that are designed to increase alertness or energy, such as amphetamines and cocaine.
  • Depressants: These include drugs that are designed to slow down the central nervous system, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates.
  • Hallucinogens: These include drugs that alter perception or mood, such as LSD and PCP.

Specific Drugs Tested For

The Navy tests for the following specific drugs:

  • Marijuana (THC): This is the most commonly used illegal drug in the Navy, and is detected in the urine using a variety of testing methods.
  • Cocaine: This is a highly addictive drug that is often used to enhance performance or to party. It is detected in the urine using a variety of testing methods.
  • Heroin: This is an illegal opioid drug that is highly addictive and can cause serious health problems. It is detected in the urine using a variety of testing methods.
  • Opioids: These include prescription medications such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, as well as illegal drugs such as heroin. Opioids are detected in the urine using a variety of testing methods.
  • Amphetamines: These are stimulant drugs that are often used to enhance performance or to stay awake. They are detected in the urine using a variety of testing methods.
  • Benzodiazepines: These are depressant drugs that are often used to treat anxiety or insomnia. They are detected in the urine using a variety of testing methods.
  • LSD: This is a hallucinogenic drug that is often used to alter perception or mood. It is detected in the urine using a variety of testing methods.
  • PCP: This is a hallucinogenic drug that is often used to alter perception or mood. It is detected in the urine using a variety of testing methods.

Testing Methods

The Navy uses a variety of testing methods to detect drug use among its personnel. These include:

  • Urine testing: This is the most common method of drug testing, and involves collecting a urine sample from the individual being tested. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
  • Hair testing: This involves collecting a hair sample from the individual being tested, and is often used to detect long-term drug use.
  • Oral fluid testing: This involves collecting a saliva sample from the individual being tested, and is often used to detect recent drug use.
  • Blood testing: This involves collecting a blood sample from the individual being tested, and is often used to detect drug use in cases where there is a suspected overdose or other medical emergency.

Consequences of Drug Use

The consequences of drug use in the Navy can be severe. Sailors who test positive for drugs can face:

  • Administrative action: This can include things such as counseling, treatment, and suspension or termination of duty.
  • Disciplinary action: This can include things such as court-martial, fine, or imprisonment.
  • Medical consequences: Drug use can have serious health consequences, including addiction, overdose, and death.

Conclusion

The Navy’s drug testing program is an important part of its efforts to maintain a drug-free workforce. The program detects and deters drug use among its personnel, and helps to ensure that the Navy is able to fulfill its mission safely and effectively. Sailors who test positive for drugs can face severe consequences, including administrative and disciplinary action, medical consequences, and even separation from the Navy. By understanding what drugs the Navy tests for, sailors can take steps to avoid drug use and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Drug Testing Schedule

The Navy’s drug testing schedule varies depending on the individual’s job and duty status. Here is a general outline of the Navy’s drug testing schedule:

Job/Duty StatusFrequency of Testing
Sailors in shore-based assignmentsRandom testing, quarterly
Sailors in deployed assignmentsRandom testing, monthly
Aviation personnelRandom testing, weekly
Specialized personnel (e.g. nuclear, aviation)Random testing, bi-monthly
Personnel with access to classified informationRandom testing, quarterly

Note: This is a general outline and is subject to change. Sailors should consult their unit’s drug testing policy for specific information on their drug testing schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I test positive for drugs?
A: If you test positive for drugs, you will be subject to administrative and disciplinary action, which can include counseling, treatment, suspension or termination of duty, and even separation from the Navy.

Q: How often do I need to be tested?
A: The frequency of your drug testing will depend on your job and duty status. Sailors in shore-based assignments are typically tested quarterly, while sailors in deployed assignments are typically tested monthly.

Q: Can I refuse a drug test?
A: No, refusal to submit to a drug test is considered a serious offense and can result in severe consequences, including administrative and disciplinary action.

Q: What if I’m taking prescription medication? Will it show up on a drug test?
A: If you are taking prescription medication, it may show up on a drug test. However, the Navy will consider the results of a drug test in conjunction with any prescription medication you are taking. If you are taking prescription medication, you should consult with your doctor and your unit’s drug testing officer to ensure that you are in compliance with the Navy’s drug testing policies.

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