of rank or age, are subject to participation in the urinalysis testing program. The urinalysis program uses a system of biochemical testing of urine samples to achieve the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. Establish a valid and reliable means for the detection of drug abuse Serve as a strong deterrent against drug abuse Monitor the status of personnel in drug and alcohol abuse rehabilitation programs Provide statistical data on the prevalence and demographics of drug abuse Drug Detection Dogs Commands can request, through the security department, the use of drug detection dog (DDD) teams to help identify drug abusers. Dogs are effective, and the possibility of their repeated use increases their effectiveness as a deterrent. The only persons needing prior knowledge of a DDD inspection or an authorized search are the commanding officer and the dog handler. DDDs may conduct inspections anywhere under naval jurisdiction at any time. Dogs are trained to inspect for controlled substances and will not harm humans unless provoked. No matter how effective a dog-and-handler team is in detecting drugs, the physical presence of the team alone is often the best deterrent to drug abuse. Abusers can seldom fool dogs; they rarely succeed in their efforts to mask the trace odors the dogs are capable of detecting. DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION Today, the basic approach to drug abuse prevention calls for understanding that goes beyond information about drugs. You need to understand people, their feelings, their needs, their goals, and their reasons for taking drugs. You also need to understand the effects of a family or group situation upon human behavior. Showing people you care about them is the most important tool of all for preventing the abuse of drugs. Learn how to recognize the potential drug abuser and the situations that might contribute to a person’s choice to abuse drugs. Offer the abuser or potential abuser alternatives to drugs. Help your people to develop attitudes and value that oppose the acceptance of drug abuse. Help them to see that drugs provide only transitory, counterfeit experiences that can never change the real world, but constructive activity can. Encourage them to become involved in constructive activities such as volunteer work, sports, clubs, divisional outings, divisional tours, off-duty education, community service activities, part-time jobs, and hobbies. For nonusers who have never used drugs or who have merely experimented with them, drug abuse education can highlight valid reasons for not using drugs. This type of education also offers alternative ways of achieving satisfaction. Use the basic alternative appeal to “turn on” to life. One former user who is a recognized antidrug authority suggests four basic steps in dealing with people who already may be using drugs regularly: 1. 2. 3. 4. Develop a sympathetic and an honest attitude. Provide accurate information. Provide information from sources that are credible to the user, such as ex-users. Give people alternatives to the use of drugs. The young member, particularly on board ship, may need special counseling. When members walk up the gangplank upon reporting for duty, they are apprehensive and have a strong desire to be accepted. They may alter their beliefs and actions in an effort to be accepted by their peers, even if acceptance includes using drugs. You can control this situation and eliminate many of the problems that may occur by providing proper guidance at this crucial time. When you receive new members in your division, assign one of your most competent division personnel to help them adapt to their new environment. That person will encourage and guide the young members to develop acceptable values and specific goals. ALCOHOL ABUSE Alcohol is the number one drug problem in the United States today. The leading causes of death for the 17- to 25-year age group are alcohol-related driving accidents, suicides, and homicides. About 55 percent of all fatal auto accidents are alcohol related, and 60 percent of all motorcycle deaths involve alcohol. Historically, alcohol has had widespread use in our society. Throughout history, alcoholic drinks have been used with meals, at social gatherings, in religious ceremonies, and at celebrations. Alcohol does have some acceptable uses, but it also can be abused. 3-14