Expert: Rod Powers - 6/2/2007

Question
I am Currently in my 4th year of my first enlistment with the Air National
Guard and in January my civilian Dr. diagnosed me with adult ADHD and
prescribed me Adderall XR. Here's my question: can I be kicked out of the
service for it? I've heard it both ways, some people say MEPS turns away
potential recruits with a preexisting ADHD diagnosis and if (when) i test
positive for the amphetamines in Adderall after a random drug test, I'll be
booted. Other people (including my shop supervisor) say that it's okay to
have ADHD in the Air Force ( I'm an aircraft maintainer) and I'm fine on the
Adderall as long as I can produce a valid prescription for it. Currently I just
stop taking it completely the week of drill weekends in case i have to perform
a random urinalysis, but I'm too afraid to ask the dr.s on base just in case it's
a big no-no. I'd rather deal with life without the meds than lose my military
career over it. Interestingly, as a civilian I work for a company that modifies
private jets and I do just about the same job there as I do for the Air Force
and according to FAA regs, I'm allowed to be on Adderall with no work
restrictions as long as it's been prescribed to me. So what;s the real scoop?
Any information and advice is appreciated, thanks!

Answer
Hi Danny,

You need to report the medical condition to your unit during your next drill.

If they conduct a urinalysis test, and they find illegal drugs, or prescription drugs in your urine, the absolutely first thing that happens is that they check your Military medical records to see if you have a prescription. If you don't, it's assumed you're using the drugs illegally, and it will automatically begin an Article 15/Court-Martial, or discharge process. Once that process starts, it's a bitch to turn it off.

ADHD, which requires medication to control is a disqualifier to enlist, but not necessarily a factor which would require discharge, especially for someone who has already been trained (it cost big bucks to train you), with four years of experience, and your unit isn't going to want to toss that away.

In fact, unless the condition has resulted in direct evidence that you are unable to perform your Military duties, I *very much* doubt that anyone would even consider the posibility of a discharge.

However, you are required by regulation to report all significant medical conditions and prescription medication use to your command. Failure to do so indicates you are trying to "hide something," and very well could result in a discharge, or removal of your security clearance (which, in turn, would probably result in a discharge). Do yourself a favor and report this to your command or your Military Treatment Facility (MTF) during your next drill.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military Information site at: http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com