Positive Urine Tests and Prescription Drugs: What Every Airman Should Know! Published May 9, 2016 By 412th Medical Group 412th Medical Group EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The abuse of prescription drugs is the fastest growing drug problem in the United States, and this trend is reflected in the military. While pain medications are effective in alleviating suffering from injuries, they are dangerous and potentially addictive when used outside of medical supervision. Using prescription drugs in a manner contrary to their intended medical purpose or in excess of the prescribed dosage may have negative consequences to a person's health and safety and may violate the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Some prescription medicines may produce a positive screening test and a subsequent positive confirmatory test. Airmen may receive disciplinary action if they test positive for illegally acquired substances, which includes prescription drugs. These prescription medications can include but are not limited to narcotics (pain killers), amphetamines (for treating attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder), and benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety drugs). Airmen never know when they will get a urine test. It is random, no notice, and can occur at any time. Anyone from a senior leader to a brand new Airman can be required to report for a urinalysis. Everybody is accountable. The odds are against Airmen if illicit drugs are detected without a doctor's prescription. Prescription drugs should only be taken for the purposes for which they are indicated at the dose, frequency, and duration they are prescribed. Doctors prescribe medicines based on specific symptoms and medical history. Something that works for one person can be dangerous for someone else. Airmen should not share their medicine or take medicine prescribed to someone else. People should know and understand their provider's specific instructions for taking the medication. A health care provider can and should answer questions about the appropriate use of a medication. A follow-up with the provider help decide whether the medication should be continued, adjusted, or discontinued. If Airmen receive prescriptions medication from a civilian provider, they should contact their provider team so they can request the off-base medical records and discuss the situation. If possible, they should try to get the prescription filled at the 412th Medical Group so that the prescription will be documented in their medication profile. However, if the medicine is needed during the weekend or after business hours, a civilian pharmacy can fill the prescription. The provider team must be notified to update medical records. Unused prescription drugs should be disposed of once they are no longer needed for their prescribed purposes. At Edwards, the 412th MDG Pharmacy provides a blue "MedSafe" medication disposal box located in the pharmacy waiting area where one can safely and securely dispose unused medications. The original container may be used when disposing unwanted medication. If there is no deposit box or take-back program available, the FDA provides guidance for proper disposal. More information on the proper disposal of medications can be found at http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm101653.htm For more information, call 277-7118 or send a MiCare message.