News Search

Drug testing now screens for prescription medications

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andrew McLaughlin
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  Grissom Airmen who use prescription medications can avoid unnecessary trouble by providing that information for their medical records.

The 434th Aerospace Medicine Squadron now checks for certain prescription medications in addition to illegal substances during urinalysis testing here.

The reason for the change is to detect the abuse of prescription medications such as pain killers, said Gary Flook, 434th AMDS drug demand reduction program manager. If Airmen are using any medications prescribed by a doctor, they should bring their prescriptions to the 434th AMDS to be entered into their medical records, Flook added.

According to the latest guidance, if an Airman tests positive for a prescription medication, the medical review officer will look for a prescription in their medical records. If it is not in the records then the individual will have to meet with security forces personnel or an Air Force Office of Special Investigations agent.

At that time, the Airman can declare they have a prescription for medication and may provide documentation as proof, which will be given to the MRO, continued Flook. If deemed valid, the test result will be changed to negative.

However, by this time the Airman's first sergeant, the judge advocate general office and the wing commander will have been notified, so it is best to avoid this by providing the information beforehand, he said.

"To avoid the embarrassment and loss of time, getting information entered ahead of time saves trouble," said Flook. "And, don't take other people's prescriptions."

Grissom is home to the 434th ARW, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command.

Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.

Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer