Questions and Answers
1. Why do we need a drug program for Department of the Navy employees?
The President, in signing Executive Order 12564 on 15 September 1986, required that all federal agencies implement a program to achieve a drug-free workplace. Even without such a requirement, achieving a drug-free America is one of our nation's highest priorities. In line with that, the Department of the Navy has a compelling obligation to eliminate illegal drug use by its employees due to its national defense responsibilities and the sensitive nature of its work.
2. What regulatory requirements governed the development of the Department of the Navy Drug-Free Workplace Program?
Executive Order 12564 requires employees to refrain from the use of illegal drugs on and off duty and directs agencies to establish plans for achieving a drug-free workplace. Public Law 100-71 passed by Congress, on 11 July 1987, provides for consistent implementation of the Executive Order throughout the federal government and establishes requirements for accurate and reliable drug testing and confidentiality of test results. Department of the Navy Drug-Free Workplace Plan certified by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Department of Justice on 27 April 1988, establishes the framework for implementation of the program in Department of the Navy.
Department of Health and Human Services Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs establish strict procedures for collection and testing of urine samples from employees for detection of drug use.
3. How does illegal drug use impact on the Department of the Navy?
The primary mission of the Department of the Navy is to protect the United States by the effective prosecution of war at sea and to maintain freedom of the seas. The performance of every civilian employee must, at all times, support this mission through a high level of productivity, reliability, and judgment. Illegal drug use by Department of the Navy employees, on or off the job, has a negative impact on employee performance and is incompatible with the mission of the Department of the Navy.
4. Other than refraining from illegal drug use, how can I support a drug-free workplace in Department of the Navy?
You can support the objective of a drug-free workplace by increasing your understanding of the negative impact that the use of illegal drugs has on individuals and their families, and by supporting Department of the Navy's commitment to offering counseling and rehabilitation to employees who sincerely want to get off illegal drugs.
5. What are the key components of the Department of the Navy Drug-Free Workplace Program (DFWP)?
Key components of the Program include supervisory training; employee education; employee assistance through counseling and referral programs; safe harbor; and drug testing.
6. What training or educational opportunities will be provided to Department of the Navy supervisors and managers?
Supervisors play a key role in establishing and monitoring a drug-free workplace. A training course has been developed which will assist supervisors and managers in recognizing illegal drug use by Department of the Navy employees and will also inform supervisors of the procedures they should follow for dealing with illegal drug use problems.
7. What training or education will be provided to Department of the Navy employees?
Activity employees will be offered drug education which may address such topics as the types and effects of drugs; the symptoms of drug use and its effect on performance and conduct; the relationship of the Civilian Employee Assistance Program (CEAP) to drug testing; and relevant information on the availability of treatment and rehabilitation. The drug education process may be accomplished through such means as the distribution of written material such as this set of questions and answers, videotapes, lunchtime presentations and discussions, and drug awareness days.
8. What role does the Civilian Employee Assistant Program (CEAP) play in the DFWP?
The CEAP plays an important role in preventing and resolving drug abuse problems ill the same manner that the program has assisted employees with alcohol abuse problems for many years. Employees are encouraged to voluntarily seek assistance from CEAP for drug abuse problems. CEAP provides information and advice to supervisors; confronts employees referred to the Program who have performance and/or conduct problems; and makes referrals to appropriate treatment and rehabilitation facilities. CEAP also provides follow-up counseling to individuals during rehabilitation to track their progress and encourage full recovery. The cost of actual treatment or rehabilitation is borne by the employee and his or her Federal Health Benefits carrier under the terms of coverage contained in the contract with the insurance carrier. The CEAP is administered separately from the drug testing program and is available to all employees without regard to a finding of illegal drug use.
9. What is "Safe Harbor"?
Under the Executive Order, Department of the Navy is required to initiate action to discipline an employee found to use illegal drugs under any circumstance. The only exception to this requirement is the "safe harbor" provision. Under "safe harbor," Department of the Navy will not initiate disciplinary action against an employee who meets the following three conditions: 1) voluntarily identifies him/herself as a user of illegal drugs prior to being identified through any other means; 2) obtains counseling and rehabilitation through the CEAP; and 3) thereafter, refrains from using illegal drugs. An employee who admits to illegal drug use after being notified that he/she is scheduled for a drug test or just after a sample is collected, or who is found to use illegal drugs on the basis of other appropriate evident, e.g., evidence obtained from a criminal conviction, is not eligible for "safe harbor."
The key to effectiveness of "safe harbor" is that an employee must be willing to admit to having a problem and be willing to seek help to solve the problem.
10. What are the difference types of drug testing that Department of the Navy will be conducting?
The following are the six types of drug testing which will be conducted in Department of the Navy.
Random Testing: Unannounced testing of employees in positions identified as "Testing Designated Positions" (TDPs). (The identification of TDPs is discussed in Question 11.) Selection of individuals who occupy TDPs for testing is made on a random basis without prior announcement.
Applicant Testing
Testing required of all individuals tentatively selected for employment in a TDP within the Department of the Navy. Individuals who use illegal drugs will be screened out during the initial employment process before being placed on the employment rolls. Applicant testing will include current Department of the Navy employees who apply for a TDP.
Accident or Unsafe Practice Testing: Authorized test of any employee involved in an on-the-job accident, or who engages in unsafe, on duty, job-related activity. For example, an accident which results in death or personal injury and/or damage to Government or private property. Before a test is conducted based on an accident or unsafe practice, it must be approved by at least a second level supervisor.
Reasonable Suspicion Testing: Testing conducted when management has reason to believe that an employee may be using illegal drugs. The suspicion must be based on specific objective facts and reasonable inferences drawn from these facts, and be documented. Approval for such testing must be received from a higher level supervisor. Reasonable suspicion testing could be based on such factors as observed drug use or possession, physical evidence of an employee being under the influence of drugs, or evidence of tampering with a drug test urine sample. Please refer to the section on Typical Warning Signs of Substance Abuse.
Voluntary Testing: Testing of employees who are not in, but who volunteer for unannounced random testing. Further information on voluntary testing is available from your activity Drug Program Coordinator.
Follow-up Testing: Testing of employees who undergo a counseling or rehabilitation program for illegal drug use through the Civilian Employee Assistance Program. These employees are subject to unannounced testing following completion of such a program for a period of one year.
11. What are "Testing Designated Positions" and how will they be identified?
When the duties of a position meet the criteria which would make the incumbent subject to random drug testing, the position is referred to as a "Testing Designated Position" (TDP). The criteria for designating a position as a TDP is based on the effect that the incumbent of the position could have on public health and safety or national security through failure to adequately discharge the duties of his or her position. Certain positions, e.g., ones requiring a top secret clearance with access, will be identified as TDPs regardless of the specific duties performed. In others, the TDP designation will be based on the duties of the position, e.g., crane operator, aircraft electrician, etc.
12. Which kinds of drugs will be tested for under the Department of the Navy Program?
Department of the Navy civilian employees will be tested for five types of drugs: Cocaine, Cannabis (Marijuana), Amphetamines, Opiates and Phencyclidine (PCP).
13. Why these drugs?
These drugs were selected by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) based on the incidence and prevalence of abuse in the general population as well as the experience of the Department of Defense's military drug testing program. DHHS has authorized Department of the Navy to test for all five drugs.
14. Will employees know in advance of the testing?
Once the Program is implemented by the activity, the selection of individuals for random testing will always be unannounced. An employee will be notified when and where to report by his or her supervisor approximately 15 to 30 minutes before the test.
15. How often may an agency test any given employee?
There is no limitation on the frequency with which an employee may be tested for illegal drug use. Under random testing, the employee will be tested whenever the sampling method used selects the employee. In addition, the employee could also be tested for some other reason, e.g., post-accident, as determined necessary.
16. What is the test like? Will the employee's privacy be protected?
Yes. Any individual subject to testing will be permitted to provide a urine specimen in private, in a rest room stall or similar enclosure, so that the employee is not observed. The employee will be accompanied into the rest room by an individual of the same sex who will watt outside the stall while the sample is being provided to detect any attempts at adulteration. An exception to unobserved collection will be made only where collection site personnel have reason to believe the individual may alter or substitute the specimen to be provided or when the basis for conducting the test is reasonable suspicion or follow-up, as described in Question 10. In such a case, collection site personnel, of the same gender as the individual being tested, would directly observe the employee provide the sample. A higher level supervisor shall review and concur in advance with any decision to obtain a specimen under direct observation except in cases of follow-up testing.
17. What if an employee or applicant refuses to appear for a testing?
An employee who fails to appear for testing without a deferral will be subject to disciplinary action. If an applicant for employment refuses to participate in testing, the tentative offer of employment will be canceled.
18. How can I be sure the test results are actually mine?
The Department of the Navy Program, as required by DHHS, mandates a strict "chain of custody" to ensure no specimen mix-ups. Chain of custody procedures in Department of the Navy's testing program ensure that the urine sample taken from an employee is properly identified and is not accidentally confused with any other sample. These procedures apply when collecting, transferring, analyzing and storing the sample. Each employee will be required to sign or initial the bottle used to transfer the sample to the testing laboratory to certify that it contains his or her sample. The bottle will then be sealed. With each subsequent transfer of possession of a specimen, a chain of custody form will be dated, signed, and annotated as to the purpose of the transfer. This provides for control and accountability from the point of collection to the final disposition of the sample.
19. How reliable is the test?
At the laboratory, any specimen identified as positive on the initial screening test will be subject to a second screening test and if positive, then subject to confirmatory test using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) techniques. This is regarded as the most accurate confirmation process by both the scientific and legal communities. GC/MS technology has been used for many years by forensic toxicologists and medical examiners for police, legal and court work. These tests will be conducted by the Navy Drug Screening Laboratories, which have established a record as being among the best, most accurate laboratories in the country.
20. Do drug tests reveal the recency or frequency of drug usage, the quantity of drugs used, or the degree of impairment caused by drugs?
No. A drug test can indicate only that an illegal drug was used based on the drug metabolites that show up in the urine.
21. If an employee tests positive, who will be notified by the laboratory?
The drug testing laboratory may only disclose confirmed laboratory test results to the Medical Review Officer (MRO) for the employee's activity.
22. What does a Medical Review Officer do?
The MRO is a physician, designated by the activity to receive test results, who must be knowledgeable in the medical use of prescription drugs and the pharmacology and toxicology of illicit drugs. The MRO will afford an individual who has tested positive an opportunity to discuss the test result. The employee will be given the opportunity to medically justify the result by identifying and documenting the use of over-the-counter or prescription medications which might have caused the positive test. An employee may present any information, which he or she believes is relevant to the MRO.
23. What happens if the laboratory test is positive?
It is important to remember that a positive test result does not automatically identify an. employee or applicant as an illegal drug user. The MRO will assess whether a positive urine test may have resulted from legitimate medical treatment or from some error in the chain of custody or laboratory analysis.
24. What records are being kept on the testing? Will be test results be part of an employee's OPF?
Test results will not become a part of the employee's OPF, but will become part of the "Employee Medical File System of Records." There are legal Safeguards against inappropriate disclosure of test results.
25. What if an employee is found to use illegal drugs?
Department of the Navy is committed to providing employees with drug problems assistance in overcoming the problem. Therefore, if an employee has used illegal drugs, he or she will be referred to the Civilian Employee Assistance Program and given the opportunity for counseling and rehabilitation.
26. Will an employee be fired for illegal drug use?
The severity of the disciplinary action taken against an employee found to use illegal drugs will depend on the circumstances of each case and may range from a reprimand to removal. In any case, however, the activity must initiate disciplinary action against any employee found to use illegal drugs except for an employee who voluntarily admits to illegal drug use under the "safe harbor provision. For a second finding of illegal drug use, removal action must be initiated
Typical Warning Signs of Substance Abuse
Performance Deterioration
Irregular work pace, diminished ability to concentrate, and signs of fatigue
Increased mistakes, carelessness, and errors of judgment
Poor Attendance and Absenteeism:
Increased use of leave, particularly before or after weekends
Frequent complaints of flu, stomach distress, sore throat, headache, or other vaguely defined illnesses
Early leaving and extended lunch periods
Unexplained disappearances from the job ("on-the-job" absenteeism)
Increase in Health and Safety Hazards
Higher than average accident rate
Careless handling or maintenance of machinery and equipment
Needless risk-taking in order to raise productivity following periods of low achievement
Disregard for the safety of others
Changes in Attitudes and Physical Appearance:
Sloppy handling of assignments; frequent "forgetfulness" or indecision
Blaming others for own shortcomings
Deliberate avoidance of colleagues and supervisor
Decline in personal appearance and hygiene
Irritability or withdrawal from fellow workers
Abrupt changes in personality after lunch or breaks
Changes in Office Morale:
General decline in office morale caused by fellow workers having to cover up for the problem employee
Types of Drugs Tested
And/or metabolites of these drugs. The Department of the Navy will also test for any other drug(s) or classes of drugs subsequently approved by DHHS for testing on an agency-wide basis.
Cocaine SLANG TERMS: coke, crack, dust, snow, blow, flakes, bloke, bernice, ream
Cocaine is one of the most powerfully addictive drugs of abuse. Most clinicians estimate that approximately 10 percent of people who begin to use the drug "recreationally" will go on to serious, heavy use. Cocaine is an addictive substance which comes from coca leaves or is made synthetically. This drug acts as a stimulant to the central nervous system. Cocaine appears as a white powdery substance which is inhaled, injected, free-based (smoked), or applied directly to the nasal membrane or gums. Cocaine gives the user a tremendous "rush." These chemicals trick the brain into feeling it has experienced pleasure.
PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
increased heart rate and breathing
increased blood pressure
nausea
weight loss
tremors
insomnia
rapid breathing
twitching
fever
pallor (paleness)
impotence
dilated pupils
cold sweats
fatigue
constipation
headaches
blurred vision
seizures
nasal congestion
PERSONALITY EFFECTS
lying
stealing
superior attitude
less ambition
argumentativeness/short temper
job problems
denial of responsibility
depression
confusion
increased number of accidents
hallucinations
anxiety
paranoia
poor concentration
loss of interest in sex
flattened and dulled emotions
HEALTH PROBLEMS
ulceration of the nasal membrane
cardiac arrest
respiratory arrest
physiological seizures
lung damage
The effects of cocaine occur within the first few minutes, peak in 15-20 minutes and disappear in about 1 hour. The immediate effects are what make cocaine so addicting. The user is willing to endure the lows in order to experience the highs. Cocaine is highly addictive. Every use of the drug makes the addiction stronger. This addiction can begin almost immediately following the first use. The addiction to cocaine is very strong; therefore, withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur when a person is not using the drug.
WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
extreme irritability
sluggishness
nausea
disorganized thinking
Although these symptoms may cause discomfort for a brief period of time, the benefits for a person who stops using the drug greatly outweigh an addiction to cocaine. These benefits include improved health and great enjoyment of everyday activities.
COCAINE AND PREGNANCY
increased incidence of miscarriage
increased incidence of premature labor
fetal addiction/withdrawal after birth
pre-natal strokes due to fluctuations in blood pressure
kidney and respiratory ailments
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
in males cocaine may attach to the sperm causing damage to the cells of the fetus
CANNABIS (MARIJUANA)
SLANG TERMS: pot, grass, weed, mj, reefer, boo, broccoli, ace, joint, Columbian
Marijuana is obtained from the hemp plant and is smoked in cigarettes or pipes or eaten. The texture of marijuana may range from fine to coarse. The color may vary between grayish-green to greenish-brown. As use of marijuana increases, the tolerance level increases, and as a result, dependence is more likely.
IMMEDIATE EFFECTS
increased pulse rate
impairment of short-term memory and logical thinking
confusion
restlessness
excitement
hallucinations
anxiety or panic
psychotic episodes
impaired coordination
impaired motor ability
increased appetite
altered perception
impaired driving ability
impaired ability to concentrate and learn
LONG-TERM EFFECTS
toxic effect on brain nerve cells
increased risk of lung cancer
risk of chronic bronchitis
respiratory diseases/cancer
energy loss
slow, confused thinking
memory impairment
apathy
suppressed effects on sperm
impaired immune system
blood vessel blockage
PHYSICAL DISCOMFORTS
diarrhea
cramps
weight loss/gain
impaired sex drive
The marijuana user may experience a physical dependence on the drug. If marijuana use is abruptly stopped, certain withdrawal symptoms will be experienced: nausea, insomnia, irritability, and anxiety. Although these symptoms may cause discomfort for a short time, the benefits to a person who stops using the drug gently outweigh an addiction to marijuana. These benefits include improved and greater enjoyment of everyday activities.
MARIJUANA AND PREGNANCY
Marijuana use during pregnancy has been associated with diminished birth weight and the presence of physical and mental characteristics similar to fetal alcohol syndrome (facial deformities, heart defects, deformed joints, low birth weight, small head). Marijuana has also been found to cause tremors and startle response withdrawal symptoms in newborn children.
OTHER FACTS
Psychological addiction to marijuana is the strongest dependence.
Addiction to marijuana can occur over a very short time period.
Marijuana and aging affect the brain in very similar ways. This places the long-time user in high risk for serious and premature memory disorders.
Marijuana smoking has been proven to have adverse effects on the female reproductive system.
The tar in marijuana cigarettes is 50-110% greater than that of tobacco.
THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, which is stored in the fat of the body, causes harm to the brain and body by causing the cells to become toxic up to 30 days after the last use.
Marijuana use has an adverse effect on the social relationships of the user due to severe mood swings and a lack of interest.
The emotional development of adolescent users may be interrupted.
Marijuana use also causes a motivational syndrome. This means that the user will lose interest in activities and lose drive and motivation.
EXTENT OF USE
Marijuana is the most extensively used illegal drug in the United States.
AMPHETAMINES
SLANG TERMS: uppers, ups, wake ups, bennies, dexies, black beauties, jollies, speed
An amphetamine is a drug that is a stimulant to the central nervous system. Amphetamines are colorless and may be inhaled, injected, or swallowed. These drugs may be used medically to treat depression, obesity, and other conditions. Amphetamines are also used non-medically to: avoid sleep, improve athletic performance, counter the effects of depressant drugs
IMMEDIATE EFFECTS
increased talkativeness
increased aggressiveness
increased breathing rate
increased heart rate
increased blood pressure
reduced appetite
dilated pupils
visual hallucinations
auditory hallucinations
ACTIONS BECOME
compulsive
repetitive
less organized
suspicious
self-conscious
EFFECTS OF LARGE DOSES
fever and sweating
dry mouth
headache
paleness
blurred vision
dizziness
irregular heartbeat
tremors
loss of coordination
collapse
Death may also occur due to burst blood vessels in the brain, heart failure or very high fever.
LONG-TERM EFFECTS
mental illness similar to paranoid schizophrenia
malnutrition due to suppression of appetite
increased susceptibility to illness due to poor diet, lack of sleep and unhealthy environment
violence and aggression
multiple drug users may use other drugs to counter unwanted side effects of amphetamines
infections resulting from IV injections
blockage of blood vessels
tolerance and dependence
Amphetamines are addictive. Because of this, when the user discontinues use or reduces the amount he/she uses, withdrawal symptoms may occur.
WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
severe exhaustion
deep sleep lasting from 24 to 48 hours
psychotic reaction
extreme hunger
deep depression
anxiety reactions
long but disturbed sleep
Although someone using amphetamines may experience withdrawal symptoms for a short period of time, the benefits to a person who stops using the drug greatly outweigh an addiction to amphetamines. These benefits include improved health and great enjoyment of everyday activities.
EFFECTS OF USE DURING PREGNANCY
It is possible for babies of mothers who use amphetamines to be born with:
cardiac defects
cleft palate
birth defects
addiction and withdrawal
OPIATES VARIETIES AND SLANG TERMS
Codiene: school boy,
Heroine:H, stuff, junk, horse, Harry, smack
Morphine: M, white, stuff, cube, morf, mud
Opiates are habit-forming drugs that dull the senses, relieve pain, and induce sleep. Some forms of opiates are morphine, heroin, and codeine. Opiates may be in the form of dark brown chunks, or white or brownish powder. A tolerance to the drugs may occur if a person uses them over a period of time. A cross tolerance may also occur. This means that if a person uses one type of opiate, they will develop a tolerance of all opiates. Addiction to opiates such as heroin causes may dangerous physical and psychological effects.
IMMEDIATE EFFECTS
decreases awareness of the outside world
vomiting
drowsiness
nodding off
depression of respiration
unconsciousness
dilated pupils
These effects may last approximately 4 hours.
EFFECTS OF PROLONGED USE
physical dependence
psychological dependence
lethargy and indifference to environment and people
reduction of bowel movements
infections of the heart lining and valves
skin abscesses
congested lungs
death
INJECTIONS CAN CAUSE
hepatitis
abscesses
blood poisoning
AIDS
WITH LARGE DOSES
user cannot be awakened
pupils become very small
skin becomes cold, moist, and blush in color
breathing slows down
death from overdose
SIGNS OF OPIATE ADDICTION
persistent and regular use of the drugs
attempts to stop which result in withdrawal
continued use despite damaging physical/psychological problems
compulsive drug-seeking behavior
need to increase the dosage
Because opiates are extremely addictive, withdrawal symptoms occur when a person stops or decreases their use.
WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
uneasiness
yawning
tremors
crying
diarrhea
weight loss
abdominal cramps
goose bumps
runny nose
severe craving for the drug
Withdrawal symptoms begin within 24 hours after last use and may last up to 7-10 days. Although these symptoms cause discomfort, the benefits to a person who stops using opiates greatly outweigh an addiction to the drugs. These benefits include improved health and greater enjoyment of everyday activities. Withdrawal can be dangerous depending upon the amount of the drug the person used. Medical attention is STRONGLY ADVISED!
OPIATES AND PREGNANCY
Research has shown that nearly half of the women who are dependent on opiates suffer anemia, heart disease, diabetes, pneumonia, or hepatitis during pregnancy and childbirth. These women also experience more:
spontaneous abortions
breech deliveries
cesarean sections
premature births
still births
infants with withdrawal symptoms
Many of these babies die.
PHENCYCLIDINE (PCP)
SLANG TERMS: angel dust, angel hair, mist, flying saucers, hog
PCP is a white crystalline powder that is readily soluble in water or alcohol. It has a distinctive bitter chemical taste. PCP can be mixed easily with dyes and turns up on the illicit drug market in a variety of tablets, capsules, and colored powders. It is normally used in one of three ways: snorted, smoked, or eaten. For smoking, PCP is often applied to a leafy material such as mint, parsley, oregano, or marijuana.
HOW TAKEN
swallowed
sniffed
smoked
injected
PHYSIOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS
nausea
vomiting
double vision
seating
flushing
increased heart rate
anxiety
panic
numbness
hallucinations
personality changes
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