Drug Demand Reduction Program…Why it Works so Well

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Edward Farley
  • 325th Medical Operations Squadron commander
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Drug use is incompatible with military and civil service. Prohibited drugs impair performance and jeopardize the people in our Air Force family. The current Department of Defense Drug Demand Reduction Program was mandated in 1981 and given the mission to deter military and civil service members from using prohibited drugs.

Tyndall Air Force Base's DDRP mission aids in deterring our base population; military, civilian and their family members from using or abusing illegal substances. We combine a comprehensive drug-testing program with an intense education and prevention schedule designed to fit our community and our population demographic. The DDRP works hard to promote a healthy, fit lifestyle and a drug-free environment to support the wing's mission. The DDRP also ensures samples are strictly controlled and forensically defensible in court.

According to a 2008 report, DoD Status of Drug Use in the Department of Defense Personnel, published by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, 69 percent of positive drug tests fell among a "high risk population." The high risk population consists of enlisted males between 18-25 years of age--a population that only comprises 35 percent of the DoD. The DDRP staff focuses on prevention of this "high risk population" which makes DDRP more than just the "golden flow".

Each year Tyndall's DDRP runs the Red Ribbon campaign. The Red Ribbon campaign honors Enrique (Kiki) S. Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Agency Special Agent who was killed in the line of duty in 1985. The Red Ribbon campaign consists of lectures, seminars and events targeted at drug prevention. Last year's slogan was "Look at Me, I'm Drug Free." The Red Ribbon success reflects the collaboration of not only the 325th Fighter Wing, but many volunteers across Tyndall AFB who are focused on the Air Force Wingmen approach.

Last year's Red Ribbon campaign events included: Security Forces visitors ride along during patrols; a Civil Engineer Squadron demonstration of fire trucks and equipment; Panama City Police Special Weapons And Tactics team demonstrations; and the Air Force Research Laboratory brings their latest BomBot for some interactive fun.

To ensure a family approach is used, DDRP incorporates many family fun events: a display of vintage automobiles and classic motorcycles from the Bay County Car Club; Panama City Americans Veterans sponsors karaoke; face painting at the Youth Center; a Civil Air Patrol booth sponsored by the Tyndall unit; and the 325th Medical Operations Squadron Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention & Treatment staff provide "drunk goggles" and robot cars so attendees can see how alcohol impairs both movement and cognitive thinking while driving.

Although October is a busy month for prevention activities, the DDRP conducts commander's calls, briefings, Warrior Sendoffs, and the pre-Spring Break campaign throughout the year.
The new and exciting pre-Spring Break initiative is called "Is It Worth It?" Instead of the usual senior leadership lecturing the at-risk population with a deadly mixture of PowerPoint and dire threats, small peer-groups are given scenarios with open-ended questions and they can discuss the repercussions with their peers. Each squadron that used this teaching tool reported no illegal drug use during the two month spring break timeframe. Thrilled by the outcome, First Sergeants requested its return for the 2010 pre-spring break preparations.

DDRP prevention extends into our communities as it enlists our Airmen to spread the anti-drug message to kids at Tyndall AFB's youth center and child development center. They give talks and hand out red ribbons and other anti-drug gifts. These Airmen encourage the next generation to reach personal convictions that drugs are not the path to a bright and promising future.

In compliance with the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act, DDRP provides DoD employees and supervisors hard-hitting drug education, information and referrals for individuals affected by drugs. Drug testing procedures are explained and recognition of drug usage/abuse is discussed. Since this program conception in 2007, not one Tyndall civilian has tested positive for illegal drugs. And every single civilian who requires it gets an annual drug test.

So how successful is the USAF Drug Demand Reduction Program? Well, the goal of the DoD DDRP is to keep illegal drug use to less than 2 percent of those tested. According to the report cited above, the Air Force Active Duty High Risk Illicit Drug Positive Rate was only 0.5 percent, well below the goal and steadily trending down from a 0.7 percent rate in 2004. Here at Tyndall we have had a 0.24 percent positive rate since 2004, despite the high-risk area we live in. I guess we really can be proud to say "Look at Me, I'm Drug Free." Keep up the good work Tyndall.