Leaders Guide - Drug Use - General Information

The use of illegal drugs undermines the effective performance of Marines and is contrary to the Marine Corps' Mission. Acts of use, possession, trafficking, or distribution of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia will not be tolerated. These offenses must be dealt with swiftly and effectively to the fullest extent provided for by law and regulations. Civilians engaging in such acts will be detained and turned over to a local law enforcement agency for prosecution under the applicable criminal statutes.

Drug Abuse:: The wrongful use of a controlled substance, prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, or intoxicating substance (other than alcohol) to an extent that it has an adverse effect on performance, conduct, discipline, or mission effectiveness. For purposes of this Manual, drug abuse also includes the intentional inhalation of fumes or gasses of intoxicating substances with the intent of achieving an intoxicating effect on the user's mental or physical state, and steroid usage other than that specifically prescribed by a competent authority. Drug abuse is also a clinical diagnosis based on specific diagnostic criteria delineated in the American Psychiatric Association, "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," current edition (DSM), and must be determined by a qualified Medical officer (MO) or DoD-authorized licensed practitioner. A diagnosis of drug abuse generally requires some form of intervention and treatment.
Drug Abuser:: One who has illegally, wrongfully, or improperly used any narcotic substance, marijuana, or dangerous drug, or who has illegally or wrongfully possessed, transferred, or sold the same.
Drug Dependence:: Psychological or physiological reliance on a chemical or pharmacological agent.
Illegal Drugs:: Drugs prohibited by law or lawful drugs when obtained or used without proper authority.

A risk factor increases the likelihood of illicit drug use or dependence. It is possible to become a drug user with or without the presence of the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the more likely drug use can become. Risk factors can be minimized through ongoing prevention measures.

The Department of the Navy's “zero tolerance” policy makes it impossible for Marines to seek help without the risk of incurring punitive or administrative action that may lead to separation from the Marine Corps. This, however, should not prevent Marines from seeking and receiving help for drug problems once already identified by the command.

Currently, the Marine Corps uses two main strategies to combat illicit drug use: Command education and the urinalysis program.

Although both are equally important, using them in conjunction with each other is far more effective. The primary purpose of prevention education and training is to provide requisite knowledge of drug use effects to assist Marines in making responsible decisions. A secondary purpose is to train military and civilian supervisors on their roles in preventing illegal drug use. Commanders should ensure that both education and an aggressive urinalysis program are conducted throughout their units.

Drug use prevention education alone is not the answer to preventing abuse, but if properly conducted, it can provide potential and present abusers with information to clarify personal values, improve problem-solving and decision-making skills, and understand alternative lifestyle choices. Tools such as these will help the individual Marines make a more informed decision concerning drug use. This is primarily achieved by:

The urinalysis program is a valid and reliable means for inspecting personnel to assess the command's readiness. It also acts as a powerful deterrent against drug use. The more active the urinalysis program, the more effective it is.

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS): Enhances unit and family readiness by delivering programs such as Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB), Military OneSource Information and Referral Service, Counseling Services and New Parent Support. The programs are designed specifically for Marines and families to increase their awareness of relevant readiness issues, while offering creative ideas to build a healthy family. Through proactive education, training, coordination of support services, materials and tools, MCCS promotes personal and family readiness that can be applied in everyday situations. Military One Source is also able to coordinate counseling services for Marines and families in need of counseling support to help cope with deployment related issues, reunion concerns, parenting, childcare and other everyday issues. Marines and family members are allowed six face-to-face counseling sessions per incident with a civilian mental health practitioner for free. A Marine or family member will call a OneSource consultant who will determine if there are on base resources readily available to assist the caller. If on base resources are not available, the One Source consultant will provide the caller an immediate referral to counseling assistance, and using their nationwide network of providers, will find a licensed mental health practitioner near the caller. Utilizing Military OneSource is ideal for Marines and Marine Reservists (and families) needing counseling services but who are not located near an installation. Marine and Family Services (MFS) counseling is available to those units and families in need of counseling support in the areas of combat stress, stress reduction, anger management, new parent support, and couples counseling.

Military One Source : The services of Military One Source supplement the existing support system for Marines and their families by providing assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via toll free telephone and Internet access. In addition, MCCS One Source supports geographically dispersed Marines and their families (recruiters, Inspector and Instructor staffs, and mobilized reservists) who do not have traditional services available. Resources are available on topics to include parenting and childcare issues, education services, financial information and counseling, legal, elder care, health and wellness, crisis support and relocation. Marines or family members seeking assistance can call 800-342-9647. Military OneSource Online can be visited at www.militaryonesource.com

OPNAVINST 5350.7 Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program Management for the Office of Chief of Naval Operations and CNO Claimancy

Aftercare:

Begins after medical treatment ends. It is the responsibility of the command to monitor aftercare, which should not exceed 12 months. It primarily consists of administrative monitoring, and non-clinical counseling.

Assessment:

A Marine requiring an assessment will be assigned a case manager. The case manager, through a collaborative effort with the Marine, will conduct a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment of the individual’s treatment needs. As part of the assessment a Licensed Independent Practitioner (LIP) will render a diagnostic judgement. The case manager and the Marine will use the assessment results to develop an Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP).

Controlled Substance:

Article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, modeled after 21 U.S.C. § 841, provides in pertinent part:

Any person subject to this chapter who wrongfully uses, possesses, manufacturers, distributes, imports into the customs territory of the United States, exports from the United States, or introduces into an installation, vessel, vehicle, or aircraft used by or under the control of the armed forces a substance described in subsection (b) shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
The substances referred to in subsection (a) are the following:
1. Opium, heroin, cocaine, amphetamine, lysergic acid diethylamide, methamphetamine, phencyclidine, barbituric acid, and marijuana and any compound or derivative of any such substance.
2. Any substance not specified in clause (1) that is listed on a schedule of controlled substances prescribed by the President for the purposes of this article.

Dangerous Drugs:

Non-narcotic drugs that are habit forming or have potential for abuse because of their stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogenic effect.

Drug Demand Reduction Coordinator (DDRC):

primary responsibility is to support the Marine Corps’ illegal drug use prevention activities (e.g., DDR budget, illegal drug use education, and urinalysis testing).

For more information please visit: http://www.usmc-mccs.org/subabuse/ml/drugdemandreduction.cfm

Any drug or substance listed in code of Federal Regulation Title 21 Part 308 Schedule of Controlled Substances, which has a stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogenic affect and potential for abuse.

Drug Paraphernalia:

All equipment, products, and materials of any kind that are used, intended for use, or designed for use in injecting, ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing drugs into the human body.

Helping Agencies:

The following agencies offer the services listed.

Marine and Family Services – Personal counseling, stress management, family/relationship counseling
Chaplains – Spiritual guidance, personal counseling, life issues counseling
Military OneSource – Anonymous personal, financial, and other advice, brief face-to-face counseling
Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society – Financial counseling and monetary assistance
Legal Services – Legal assistance and advice
Medical – Mental Health evaluation and treatment, health promotion strategies

Illegal/Illicit Drugs:

Drugs prohibited by law or lawful drugs when obtained or used without proper authority.

Initial Screening:

Marines referred to the SACC will be screened by a drug and alcohol counselor to determine if early intervention or an assessment is warranted. Screenings will be conducted using the clinical package screening forms in NAVMC 2931. If the need for an assessment is ruled out, the individual will be placed in an Early Intervention Program. Generally, the screening process should take no longer than 30 minutes to complete.

Legal Assistance Office:

An office run by the installation Staff Judge Advocate to provide comprehensive legal support to our global military community in the areas of estate planning, family law, state and federal taxation, immigration and naturalization, consumer law, military rights and entitlements, and others. The focus of the legal assistance office is to assist those eligible for legal assistance with their personal legal affairs in a timely professional manner by providing clients legal counsel, support, and representation to the maximum extent possible. For more information please see: http://sja.hqmc.usmc.mil/jal/default.htm

Licensed Independent Practitioner (LIP):

An LIP (physician or clinical psychologist) will be appointed to support the continuum of care. The LIP will be responsible for clinically supervising counselors; authorizing any treatment changes, to include: discharge, making diagnosis, determining portal of entry for Marines entering the continuum of care, and approving Individualized Treatment Planss.

MCO P1900.16 Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual:

Currently, a FOIA (freedom of Information Act) redacted version of the Separation Manual is online. This version is incomplete, however, as it does not contain Change 1. A complete and searchable version of the Manual should be available online with Change 2 by early CY2007.

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS):

Enhances unit and family readiness by delivering programs such as Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB), Military One Source Information and Referral Service, Counseling Services and New Parent Support. The programs are designed specifically for Marines and families to increase their awareness of relevant readiness issues, while offering creative ideas to build a healthy family. Through proactive education, training, coordination of support services, materials and tools, MCCS promotes personal and family readiness that can be applied in everyday situations. Military One Source is also able to coordinate counseling services for Marines and families in need of counseling support to help cope with deployment related issues, reunion concerns, parenting, childcare and other everyday issues. Marines and family members are allowed six face-to-face counseling sessions per incident with a civilian mental health practitioner for free. A Marine or family member will call a One Source consultant who will determine if there are on base resources readily available to assist the caller. If on base resources are not available, the One Source consultant will provide the caller an immediate referral to counseling assistance, and using their nationwide network of providers, will find a licensed mental health practitioner near the caller. Utilizing Military One Source is ideal for Marines and Marine Reservists (and families) needing counseling services but who are not located near an installation. Marine and Family Services (MFS) counseling is available to those units and families in need of counseling support in the areas of combat stress, stress reduction, anger management, new parent support, and couples counseling.

Military OneSource:

The services of Military OneSource supplement the existing support system for Marines and their families by providing assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via toll free telephone and Internet access. In addition, Military OneSource supports geographically dispersed Marines and their families (recruiters, Inspector and Instructor staffs, and mobilized reservists) who do not have traditional services available. Resources are available on topics to include parenting and childcare issues, education services, financial information and counseling, legal, elder care, health and wellness, crisis support and relocation. Marines or family members seeking assistance can call 800-342-9647. Military OneSource Online can be visited at www.militaryonesource.com.

Narcotics:

Any opiates, such as morphine and codeine.

Narcotics Anonymous:

Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem, and help others to recover from drug addiction. Their primary purpose is to stay abstinence help other addicts achieve sobriety.

Patient Placement:

Placement will be based on the seven continuum of care assessment dimensions, not the drug and alcohol diagnosis. A Marine will be assessed using the placement criteria contained in NAVMC 2931. The assessment information will be used by the Case Manager and the Interdisciplinary Team to recommend the Marines placement to the Licensed Independent Practitioner. This will always be the least intensive portal of entry that will accomplish the treatment objectives while providing safety and security for the patient. A Marine may enter the continuum of care at any portal.

Premises for Drug Screens:

There are 11 premise codes authorized for use. Those 11 codes are separated into different types. Using the wrong premise code can cause unnecessary administrative and legal problems. Be sure to consult with legal on the correct premise to use.

THE FIRST TYPE IS INSPECTION/SEARCH AND SEIZURE. They include Random (IR), Unit Sweep (IU), Inspection Generic (IO) (authorized by CMC (MRO), Members Consent (VO), and Probable Cause (PO).
THE SECOND IS COMMAND AND SERVICE DIRECTED. They include Physician/Medical Directed (MO), Command Directed (CO), Safety/Mishap (AO), Rehabilitation Facility and Navy Drug Screening Lab Staff (RO), Other (OO), and New Entrant (NO).
The main difference between the two types is that the Inspection/Search and Seizure codes can be used for discipline, characterization of service and administrative separation processing. The Command and Service Directed can only be used for administrative separation processing.
Random Sample (IR) is the random selection of individual(s) from an entire command. Each individual must have an equal chance of selection.
Unit Sweep (IU) is the selection of a whole command or an identifiable segment within the command (i.e. paygrade, division, department).
Inspection Generic (IO) is only used when authorized by CMC (MRO).
Consent Test (VO) to be used when there is reason to believe an incident of drug abuse has occurred - an individual is asked to consent to a urinalysis.
Probable Cause (PO) to be used when there is reason to believe an incident of drug abuse has occurred and an individual refuses to consent. It is recommended the command Legal Officer or local Navy Legal Service Office concur with circumstances that warrant probable cause. Each of these premises can be used for both disciplinary and administrative separation processing.
In any case other than Random and Unit Sweep premises, be sure to follow the following steps: first ask member for Consent (VO); if member refuses, check with your Legal Department to see if circumstances warrant Probable Cause (PO). The reason for this is these premises can be used for both disciplinary and administrative purposes. All to often a UPC will automatically use the Command Directed (CO) premise which cannot be used for discipline.

Substance Abuse Control Officer (SACO):

Substance Abuse Control Officer. An SACO is usually a collateral duty billet; oversee all aspects of Marine Corps drug and alcohol prevention programs.

Advise the CO on the administration of the unit drug and alcohol prevention program
Conduct administrative screenings of individuals referred to the Substance Abuse Counseling Center (SACC) for possible alcohol and/or drug problems
Coordinate and/or assist in alcohol and drug abuse awareness education, for example, during command orientation
Establish and monitor a command prevention and intervention program
Serve as the Aftercare coordinator for the command, and monitor Aftercare plans, where applicable, for members who return after completion of outpatient or inpatient alcohol treatment programs
Act as an authorized command self-referral agent

Substance Abuse Counseling Center (SACC):

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Substance Abuse Counseling Centers provide drug and alcohol education and counseling for active duty, reserve and retired personnel. Eligible family members over age 18 are provided services on a space available basis.
Highly skilled Marine counselors provide the following services:

Screenings & Assessments
Early Intervention Outpatient
Intensive Outpatient Treatment
Residential Treatment
SACO Training

Treatment Plans:

A treatment plan will be developed through a collaborative effort between the Marine and the case manager. Treatment plans will contain clinical problems and agreed upon goals and objectives that will be addressed during treatment. Drug/alcohol dependency/abuse is a diagnosis and should not be confused with or listed as one of the Marine's problems on the treatment plan.

Urinalysis Program:

The Marine Corps will not tolerate the possession, use, trafficking, or distribution of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia. These offenses must be dealt with swiftly and effectively to the fullest extent provided for by law and regulations. Civilians will be detained and turned over to a local law enforcement agency for prosecution under the applicable criminal statutes. Installation commanders maintain responsibility to monitor establishments known or suspected to be sources of supply for illegal drugs. When appropriate, the installation commander will declare these establishments off limits to all Marine Corps personnel.