Table of Contents
Air Force members carry significant pressure and weight in their jobs. They provide national security and balance their families and personal obligations. Sometimes they turn to substances to blow off the steam that builds up in life. Perhaps they use marijuana, abuse prescription drugs, or overconsume alcohol. Does this sound like you?
Help is available with the DDRP, and Find Drug Rehabs can assist you. We’ll connect you to the helping hand you need, and provide resources all along the way!
DDRP stands for Drug Demand Reduction Program, administered by the Department of Defense. It is a comprehensive program focusing on the health of military members, civilian personnel, and their families. Its goals are the prevention of drug use, providing education and outreach, and offering treatment to those who struggle with addiction.
The Drug Demand Reduction Program Air Force is a specific branch of the program that focuses on helping military members overcome drug or alcohol addiction.
The Air Force Drug Demand Reduction Program began in 1971 as part of a DOD effort to reduce drug and alcohol abuse among civilians and military personnel. The program’s mission is simple. They promote a drug-free lifestyle and treat those struggling with addiction. The program is available to all active-duty Air Force members, reserve members, National Guard members, retired military personnel, and their families.
Why did they start the drug demand reduction program? They recognized that education to overcome drug use in the military is key for national readiness. When a military member fails a drug test, it compromises readiness. The DOD recognizes that the prevention of substance abuse will keep service members ready.
The Drug Demand Reduction Program includes several components. These are prevention, education, outreach, treatment, and ongoing support. Prevention efforts aim to create a drug-free environment by identifying every high-risk person–civilians and active duty airmen– and implementing preventive measures.
Education and outreach efforts aim to increase awareness about the dangers of drug and alcohol addiction. The Drug Demand Reduction Program also promotes better mental and physical health. Treatment options the counseling staff may suggest may include outpatient care, inpatient care, and aftercare services.
The Air Force uses urinalysis drug testing to detect illegal drugs or substance abuse among its personnel. The test can detect various drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and opioids. The highly accurate testing method uses a small specimen. Still, it can detect drugs for as many as thirty days after use. Commanders may impose harsh penalties on Air Force members identified as having a positive drug test.
However, if an airman needs help with drug or alcohol addiction, they can turn to the Drug Demand Reduction Program before they get caught in the testing process. This support and education they take away from the program can help them seek care and recovery. Those who struggle will also have help with relapse prevention, ensuring they pass all future drug testing with flying colors.
The United States Department of Defense enforces a zero-tolerance policy towards drug or alcohol abuse among its personnel. Drug testing can be from a random selection, which may discourage or deter abuse. But if a commander suspects or becomes aware of information regarding improper substance use, they might also subject a military member to drug testing.
A positive drug test can occur on any given day and have severe consequences. The drug testing policy can deter misuse. Military members know from day one that this job is critical and is a testing-designated position. This term means that they are a trusted agent of the DOD; as such, they are subject to routine drug testing.
Because of this level of responsibility, they will not receive an additional warning from the DOD. Disciplinary actions may include dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of pay and benefits, and even imprisonment. Most are advised to turn in their Air Force photo ID and credentials and escorted off the post.
Why so harsh? Our military members are vitally important to national security for airmen to maintain a drug-free environment. The DOD spends thousands of dollars to educate them to lead teams, operate equipment, and defend national security. Week in and week out, this trusted agent of the DOD must be capable of making life-or-death decisions.
So they treat a person who uses marijuana to the same zero-tolerance standard as someone found to abuse prescription drugs. For these reasons, it is best to seek treatment proactively, from rehabs that accept TRICARE policies and make sure that your commanding officer is aware of and supportive of such treatment.
Drug or alcohol addiction can manifest in a variety of ways. Some key signs include changes in behavior, mood, and appearance. Someone who struggles with addiction may become secretive or withdrawn. They’ll experience mood swings or irritability, especially when the drugs wear off. They might also neglect personal hygiene or grooming.
Someone struggling with addiction can also face financial difficulties, with their paychecks running short before the end of the first week of the bi-weekly cycle. They may also have legal problems and relationship issues.
Physical signs of drug or alcohol addiction can include these:
DDRP is a valuable resource for military members and civilian personnel who struggle with drug or alcohol addiction. Air force members should seek help and support to lead a life free of the influences of harmful substances. Rehabs Of Armerica is an excellent and completely confidential resource. We connect Air Force members with care and recovery services on a daily basis.
By providing our military members with the necessary resources and support, we help ensure that they maintain a drug-free lifestyle and continue to provide national security for our country. If you are struggling with drugs or alcohol in the Air Force, reach out now for help!
Charles F. has been an active part of the Florida recovery community for over 5 years. He began as a behavioral health technician at an addiction treatment facility in Ocala, Florida and has since begun training as a Licensed Addiction and Chemical Dependency counselor in Boca Raton. Charles’ passion involves the promotion of recovery and helping spread the hope of recovery to as many readers as possible!
