Red Ribbon Week and Drug Abuse Prevention Month - choose to live drug-free Published Oct. 26, 2015 By Senior Airman Charles Metts Medical Operations Squadron GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- When most of us think of drug abuse, we envision addicts and junkies who can barely function and may even be homeless. The real truth is drug abuse occurs everywhere, to include the Air Force, and can and does have devastating effects on the Air Force mission and individuals' careers and lives. Here at Goodfellow the most common substance use and abuse referrals received, not including alcohol-related referrals, are marijuana use and over-the-counter or prescription drug abuse. The 17th Training Wing Legal Office reported several drug-related Article 15s or Court Martials within the year. Drug-related usually means the individuals received those sanctions strictly from drug abuse or there could have been other allegations coupled with drug abuse contributing to receiving the Article 15 or Court Martial. What is Red Ribbon Week and Drug Abuse Prevention Month, and why is it important? Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. It serves as a vehicle for communities and individuals to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of children through a commitment to drug prevention, education and a personal commitment to live drug-free lives with the ultimate goal being the creation of drug-free America. Perhaps more importantly, Red Ribbon Week commemorates the ultimate sacrifice made by Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, Drug Enforcement Administration special agent, who died at the hands of drug traffickers in Mexico while fighting the battle against illegal drugs to keep our country and children safe. Marijuana is the most common illicit, illegal drug used in the United States. More teenagers smoke marijuana than cigarettes. Marijuana is addictive. The tetrahydrocannabinol content found in marijuana cigarettes has increased from 3.5 percent in the 1980s to between 10 to 14 percent currently, according to the Air Force's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program. Twice as many people are being treated for marijuana addiction as prescription drug abuse, and 4.2 million Americans are either abusing or dependent on marijuana according to ADAPT. Even with the legalization of marijuana in several states, and medicinal marijuana being legalized in numerous states, the U.S. Air Force still prohibits its use. The military will prosecute service members for use, possession and distribution of marijuana under Article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice; there is no medical necessity defense. Even if a civilian in the household is a qualified patient receiving medicinal marijuana that is legal within the state of residence, the military member cannot reside in the house with marijuana plants or be associated with the care-giving or use in any way. Medication abuse is another problem both in the military and civilian world. Some people mistakenly believe that prescription medications are safer than street drugs because they are prescribed by medical doctors. Although these medications have been tested and approved for safe use, it is with the understanding that they are used as directed by a physician and generally for short periods of time. If these medications are taken outside of a doctor's care or in excessive dosages, they can have very serious, if not fatal, effects. Red Ribbon Week and Drug Abuse Awareness Month are intended to bring about awareness and prevention. Let's be sure to spread awareness and prevention to current and future generations to ensure a brighter future for our children and loved ones. If you have any questions regarding substance use, abuse or treatment, call 325-654-3122.
