Abusing legal substances is still illegal Published March 22, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Kali L. Gradishar 92nd ARW Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- It is widely known that there is a zero-tolerance policy regarding the abuse of illegal substances. But what about the substances that seem innocent? This is a trap that Fairchild's Drug Demand Reduction Office would like to warn Airmen of falling into. According to Air Force Instruction 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen, drug abuse is defined as "the illegal, wrongful or improper use, possession, sale, transfer, or introduction onto a military installation of any drug." This is not limited to only those drugs that have been lawfully labeled illegal. The term 'drug' relates to "any intoxicating substance, other than alcohol, that is inhaled, injected, consumed, or introduced into the body in any manner for purposes of altering mood or function," states the instruction. So Airmen of all ranks should beware of the belief that legal medicines and drugs can be safely used as a way to alter state of mind. "We're just trying to get the word out to protect Fairchild personnel," said Peter Le Grand, the DDR program manager. "It is against Air Force policy to abuse these substances ... You may think it is innocent, but it's not." Substances that have recently been making an appearance at Air Force bases include salvia and homemade absinthe, both hallucinogenic drugs, and over-the-counter cough and cold remedies. You can be prosecuted under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, court-martialed or non-voluntarily discharged even for abusing substances that are deemed legal, said Mr. Le Grand. The consequences of drug abuse are high, as substance abusers in the military could be jeopardizing many lives and valuable government property. "All it takes is one person working on an aircraft under the influence of any substance and there goes a multi-million dollar aircraft. There are a lot of possible mistakes to be made, and working while impaired increases that risk," said Mr. Le Grand. There is also the risk of substance abusers putting their life in danger, putting their wingman's life in danger, and losing their career in the military. It all comes down to the fact that any military person "who engage(s) in drug abuse seriously impairs accomplishing the military mission," states the AFI. And those who do so will be properly disciplined. Any drug questions or concerns should be addressed to Mr. Le Grand or Pete Joplin at the DDR office by calling 247-3944.
