thedrifter
11-14-03, 12:39 PM
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story Identification Number: 20031113211228
Story by Public Affairs Office
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii(Nov. 14, 2003) -- Military service members represent some of the finest individuals our nation has to offer. They receive some of the most advanced and proficient training to help them complete their missions effectively, and to get them home safely - no matter if it's charging a hill in a forward-deployed combat situation or just taking care of regular, daily issues in garrison.
However, even in this world of discipline, high esteem and esprit de corps, some service members travel down the wrong road that often leads to very discouraging and disheartening events - the road of illegal drug use.
During the Vietnam era, it was known that many service members used illegal drugs, but, over the past several decades, the Navy and Marine Corps, along with the other branches of service, have taken a pro-active stance to try to stop the use of illicit drugs in the military.
"Prior to the military incorporating 'zero tolerance' and drug testing programs, as we now know them, they were studied at Johns Hopkins University," said Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Barkley, the counselor at the Substance Abuse Counseling Center, Headquarters Bn., MCB Hawaii. "Back in the early 80s, when the drug testing program was incorporated into the Marine Corps, there was an amnesty period that allowed Marines or Sailors to turn themselves in one time, and to admit that they had made an unwise decision to use or abuse illegal drugs or prescription medicine. Amnesty, however, lasted for only a short period of time. That went away and we adopted the Zero Tolerance Policy we now adhere to.
"There was a transition period where Headquarters Marine Corps came out with a definitive date, and said by this day all members will be held accountable," Barkley added. "With that, zero tolerance grew into what we know today."
When a Marine or Sailor "pops positive" on a urinalysis, the results are scrutinized. The individual is interviewed and the battalion commander makes a determination whether it's a legal positive result.
"He will do this by determining if the service member could have been on a current medication provided by a health care professional," said Barkley. "Here in Hawaii, one of the more prevalent types of drugs found is crystal methamphetamine. Hawaii leads the nation in methamphetamine use."
Crystal meth is a powerfully addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Meth can be made easily in makeshift laboratories with relatively inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients.
Crystal meth is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. It can be snorted, smoked, injected or swallowed, putting the user in a heightened state of alertness, where physical activity increases and appetite decreases.
Methamphetamine is commonly known as "speed," "meth" and "chalk." The smoked form is the most available type locally, and it is often referred to as "ice," "crystal," "crank," "glass," or by its Hawaiian name "Batu."
Quentin Redmon, the drug demand reduction coordinator for the Substance Abuse Counseling Center believes one reason Marines and Sailors are lured into using crystal meth is because the drug stays in the body for only a short amount of time.
"People are using this drug because they know how long the drug stays in their system, and how easy it is to flush out," said Redmon.
The effects of this powerful drug include increased energy and confidence levels, decreased appetite, physical exhilaration and a reduced need for sleep.
Unlike many other illegal drugs, the main danger crystal meth poses is that the body becomes tolerant much quicker than it does with other drugs.
This effect creates a need in the mind of the user to want more of the drug for longer periods of time.
"A person can stay up for days without the need of sleep; that's why I think some Marines are using [ice]," said Redmon. "[However] no matter what the reason an individual may have for using crystal meth, the Marine Corps policy on illegal drug usage is zero tolerance.
"There is absolutely no reason or excuse a service member can give for the use of an illegal drug.
"Some say, 'Well I was having financial or family problems,'" said Barkley. "If that is the case, the Family Advocacy Office, the Substance Abuse Counseling Center and even chaplains are here to help members work through problems in a healthy and non-career threatening manner."
In the end, those who are found in violation of the articles that govern illegal drug use within the Uniform Code of Military Justice can, and will, be held responsible for their actions.
The Drifter
:marine:
Story Identification Number: 20031113211228
Story by Public Affairs Office
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii(Nov. 14, 2003) -- Military service members represent some of the finest individuals our nation has to offer. They receive some of the most advanced and proficient training to help them complete their missions effectively, and to get them home safely - no matter if it's charging a hill in a forward-deployed combat situation or just taking care of regular, daily issues in garrison.
However, even in this world of discipline, high esteem and esprit de corps, some service members travel down the wrong road that often leads to very discouraging and disheartening events - the road of illegal drug use.
During the Vietnam era, it was known that many service members used illegal drugs, but, over the past several decades, the Navy and Marine Corps, along with the other branches of service, have taken a pro-active stance to try to stop the use of illicit drugs in the military.
"Prior to the military incorporating 'zero tolerance' and drug testing programs, as we now know them, they were studied at Johns Hopkins University," said Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Barkley, the counselor at the Substance Abuse Counseling Center, Headquarters Bn., MCB Hawaii. "Back in the early 80s, when the drug testing program was incorporated into the Marine Corps, there was an amnesty period that allowed Marines or Sailors to turn themselves in one time, and to admit that they had made an unwise decision to use or abuse illegal drugs or prescription medicine. Amnesty, however, lasted for only a short period of time. That went away and we adopted the Zero Tolerance Policy we now adhere to.
"There was a transition period where Headquarters Marine Corps came out with a definitive date, and said by this day all members will be held accountable," Barkley added. "With that, zero tolerance grew into what we know today."
When a Marine or Sailor "pops positive" on a urinalysis, the results are scrutinized. The individual is interviewed and the battalion commander makes a determination whether it's a legal positive result.
"He will do this by determining if the service member could have been on a current medication provided by a health care professional," said Barkley. "Here in Hawaii, one of the more prevalent types of drugs found is crystal methamphetamine. Hawaii leads the nation in methamphetamine use."
Crystal meth is a powerfully addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Meth can be made easily in makeshift laboratories with relatively inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients.
Crystal meth is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. It can be snorted, smoked, injected or swallowed, putting the user in a heightened state of alertness, where physical activity increases and appetite decreases.
Methamphetamine is commonly known as "speed," "meth" and "chalk." The smoked form is the most available type locally, and it is often referred to as "ice," "crystal," "crank," "glass," or by its Hawaiian name "Batu."
Quentin Redmon, the drug demand reduction coordinator for the Substance Abuse Counseling Center believes one reason Marines and Sailors are lured into using crystal meth is because the drug stays in the body for only a short amount of time.
"People are using this drug because they know how long the drug stays in their system, and how easy it is to flush out," said Redmon.
The effects of this powerful drug include increased energy and confidence levels, decreased appetite, physical exhilaration and a reduced need for sleep.
Unlike many other illegal drugs, the main danger crystal meth poses is that the body becomes tolerant much quicker than it does with other drugs.
This effect creates a need in the mind of the user to want more of the drug for longer periods of time.
"A person can stay up for days without the need of sleep; that's why I think some Marines are using [ice]," said Redmon. "[However] no matter what the reason an individual may have for using crystal meth, the Marine Corps policy on illegal drug usage is zero tolerance.
"There is absolutely no reason or excuse a service member can give for the use of an illegal drug.
"Some say, 'Well I was having financial or family problems,'" said Barkley. "If that is the case, the Family Advocacy Office, the Substance Abuse Counseling Center and even chaplains are here to help members work through problems in a healthy and non-career threatening manner."
In the end, those who are found in violation of the articles that govern illegal drug use within the Uniform Code of Military Justice can, and will, be held responsible for their actions.
The Drifter
:marine: