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106 Responses to “MEPS Drug and Alcohol Testing (DAT) Program”
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Ensure your drug and alcohol abuse is being treated effectively.
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If a person had a possession of a small amount of marijuana on his record from 3 years ago and has nothing since, can he still enlist
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what about if they test dirty while at RTC?
my brother went and we heard he tested dirty for marijuana..
please fillm e in.. -
Ok, so this is really hard for me to talk about. I have always planned on joining a branch of the service ever since I was a little kid dressing up in uniform. However, last May I became interested in the Marine OCS program. I was immediately roushed within a week to MEPS. The week prior to speaking to the RO, I had tried Marijuana for the first time. I am in college, an engineering student, So it was my first time. Needless to say I did not pass the pee test at MEPS. What Can I do? Is this the end for me? I want to serve my country, and I am sober as a judge. MEPS was never explained to me, I had no clue what it was. Please help!
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I went through rehab a couple of years ago, and have been clean ever since. I’ve never had any legal issues except for speeding tickets. I have not told my recruiters about rehab, because I’m nervous that it will keep me from being able to enlist. What are my chances of getting through RTC… I’m almost done with MEPS.
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My 19 year old son went to see a Navy recruiter with out me or his dad knowing anything about it. He called me later and told me that he had went to see a recruiter & that he did a urine test and the following week he was to go to MEPS. Well sometime later after he went through MEPS he received a letter saying that he tested positive for pot. They had done a blood test that revealed that there remained some trace of pot. He has been clean for months and tried to re-enlist but was told that he could’nt enlist in the Navy or Airforce due to that test, his S.S. # has been flagged. His dad or I approve of the use of pot and he was raised in that way. My question is to you why does the Navy have double standards–if he would have tested positive to alcohol he would be in the same situation yet it is sold on post!! Our son has never been in trouble in any way. He has no criminal record of any kind, yet because he made a bad decision once (that I might add harmed no one), and was not informed by his recruiter he will not be able to serve in the Navy!!!! Something is wrong with this picture!!!!!
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i have already taken my drug test at meps…actually i completed everything there and passed everything with good marks. this was like 4 months ago. my recruiter is putting me into delayed entry and he says i need to swear in and they are going to review all my tests and stuff including my physical, will i be screened for drugs again?
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Don’t use drugs in DEP. It ruined my entire life. I’ve got nothing left but the small, small hope that one day I may get the chance to serve again….but, probably not.
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I was taking perscription adderral and failed the MEPS test. Do I have any recourse? Can I file a request to review additional information from my doctor?
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Hello, I want to join the Navy and be a Linguist (which to my knowledge requires a SSBI), I have socially partook in Marijuana during my Freshman, Sophomore, and the first few months of my Junior year. However, when I decided I would be joining the Military I quit on January 1, 2010 and I have been clean since. I wish I could have gone back and changed my past mistakes. How will these past experimentation’s affect my enlistment in the Navy, and my SSBI screening? I plan to join next year when I turn 18, in the summer of 2011.
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Hi,
I am currently looking into ocs for army or navy. I have one blemish on my record currently. toward the end of my bachelor program going into my mba program i was using marijuana rather frequently. I got pulled over one night and was given a possession charge. it was a small amount and i was not acutally taken in. after a year of probation it was removed from my record. i do however know that even though it has been removed from my record during a background check they will still see the city records of my arrest and probation. other than this i have a clean history, have been in leadership positions within my past employers and have performed some community service. The charge was a wake up and i have since ceased using the drug due to goals i have set for myself and the likelihood of not accomplishing the otherwise. this was a little more than 3 years ago.
When speaking with the army recruiter i was told that there are no waivers this year. he stated that otherwise i was a great candidate but there could be no exceptions on the drug charge. he than told me that he thought the navy may still be doing waivers for this. I am checking with the navy recruiter tomorrow but if i am denied am i just out of luck? I understand i made my mistake and must live with the consequences. I am just hoping there is still some shot of making this work. I have been told that there are quotas and they have been filled for this year so if i continue to try things may change after a few months. Is this true? What is the best course of action? Thank you in advance for any input that can be given
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I tried marijuana twice, once in my sophomore year, and again a few months ago (I hate it and have no intention of ever attempting that ever again). Will this effect my ability to enlist? What do I say to the recruitment officers?
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I went to an air force recruiter and told him the truth… that I have smoked pot a couple of times and have also done mushrooms once and extacy twice. He told me that because of the extacy and shrooms that I will never be able to join the U.S. Air Force. I want to join badly and I’ve stopped participating in all drugs for over a year. I want to clean up my life and join the military like my dad. what should I do? please help if you have any suggestions. or tell me if theres really no way I can get into the air force. Does the AF keep a record of all people never allowed to enlist because of past drug use?
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How often are sailors drug tested? are they tested when they return from leave? are they tested after a weekend off?
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2 days ago I made a horrific decision and tried meth (for the first time) knowing I had a deployment date of next year. However the following day I received a phone a call from my recruiter telling me I got orders to ship ahead within 3-4 weeks. I’ve since made plans with a drug rehab counselor to critique my recent decision making and understanding why I made the choices I have. He assured me all tests would prove negative for meth (the only drug I’ve done) by the time I get to boot camp in 3 weeks. I can’t help but still worry, immensely, and feel I’ve shot the only chance I’ve got. Is my counselor correct in thinking I’ll be safe with urinalysis testing?
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So it will show up in my urinalysis testing at basic?
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Hello, I have a question about the Navy’s alcohol dependence policy for enlistment. I have never had any treatment for alcohol abuse but just after I stopped drinking I mentioned to my doctor that I had gone to some AA meetings because I thought I might be an alcoholic (seeing him for an unrelated issue). This is the only mention (legal or medical) of alcohol on my record. I stopped partying and changed my friend group so that I have a better, more fulfilling life. Even though I haven’t had any medical treatment, would I still be barred from enlistment in the Navy?
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It will be two solid years ago this November. I hope you are right. I am meeting with an Army recruiter tomorrow and I am going to be straight up about the whole deal (I will also talk to Navy). I am already planning on not being eligible for any type of security clearance, but as a lower level guy probably wouldn’t be dealing with that anyhow. Thanks for posting back! I have high hopes and I’ll keep you updated!
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I passed an EMIT test for MJ, but wanted to know my exact levels so I had a GC/MS done and tested at 6ng/ml. Is that enough to pass at MEPS or should I wait another couple weeks? Any advice for the ZERO tolerance guidline???
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if a doctor prescribed me suboxone for a year will this count as Being physically depenet on a drug and not qualify me. also is nuclear engineering a field that is exclued to someone that required a drug waiver?
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will a dismissed pot charge disqualify me from the navy?
was dismissed in 2009 after rehabilitation classes was in possesion of a pipe with resign in it but was charged for possesion of marijuana. -
How long do applicants to Marine OCS have to wait between MJ use and applying for a waiver?
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My niece is dating someone who is in the Navy and we believe he has a heroin/prescription drug addiction. We have been urging him to get help but he says he will do it on his own, which can be very difficult and dangerous to go through the detox process alone. Does the Navy have any support system to deal with drug addiction? Would he be immediately separated from the Navy? I am trying to understand where his hesitancy is as he seems to want help but is afraid to ask for it. If the testing policy is so stringent how is it he hasnt been caught?
Thank you we would like to help this young man if possible. -
Thank you for the quick response, hopefully we are wrong. So I guess there is no internal program to rehabilitate addicts, they cannot ask for help and still remain in the service? I can understand the rational, there is no place for drugs in the military.
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Hey, I am a student that is very interested in the medical field and is planning on joining either the Navy or Air Force. The problem is, when i spoke to the recruiters they asked if I had a past with drug use and i simply said no. I am clean now and am not proud of my past with experimental drug use. I feel bad for lying, honesty really is the way to go. I just did not want my past use of drugs to affect being enlisted. when i meet with the recruiters in person I plan on apologizing and being honest with them. Will their decision to enlist me sway due to me lying to them?
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Thank you for the prompt reply! I spoke to the recruiters and it went very well. He told me he appreciated the honesty. Definetly a heavy burden off my shoulders. Thanks for the information!
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my son got pulled over one night for a broken tailight in my car cop found a 5 inch knife had a k-9 search car dog supposedly got hit on car found a shard of marijuana in car by the way what is a shard a tiny piece anyway he never got a breathtest urine test or roadside check cop gave ticket for knife speeding and broken light along with a broken license got a lawyer and got all put under a diversion plan which was completed succesfully what happens when the navy sees the court doc that says they found a shard but was never charged for it will he still get a waiver far worse people have been taken in i am concerned the boy wants to join what can he do to make this right and is the recruiter just giving him a hard time please reply thankyou very much
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I know someone who wants to join the Navy. He’s 18, but he used to do heroin. Will he be allowed to enlist even if he is drug free today?
Thank you.
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Hello, two years ago i was interested in joining and had gone to MEPS to do all my testing. During my testing they found my urine was high in protein, later finding out it was kidney stones. I had went home and my bf and his friends hot boxed the car. A week later, after i removed the kidney stones i went back to MEPS and my urine was positive for thc…I really want to serve in the Navy but i’m scared i’ve already ruined my chance :(
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suzzy had a very good question about pot and alcohol.
at the los angeles recruiting center i went to, the guy working there who gave me a ride to my asfab test admitted openly that he and other navy guys drank alcohol very heavily.
and if you test positive for alcohol, you can come back in 45 days? but never for pot?
this seems to be an immature viewpoint on pot. there’s plenty of antisocial and anti-authority thugs out there who don’t smoke pot.
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Master Chief,
I have a question regarding a drug waiver for an OCS application.
I received a waiver for the IT/SG program after I enlisted. The waiver was for “One-time drug use — RTC disclosed.” (Steroid use, 1 cycle over 2-3 week period) I have been in the Navy over 7 years now and this is the one large blemish on my record.Since the waiver was for a specific program, I am guessing that I would have to submit a new waiver for this incident in order to apply for OCS? If this is the case, do you have an idea of how this will impact my chance of being selected? (the rest of my record is fairly solid – mostly EP evals, Bachelors/Masters degrees with 3.8 GPA, high test scores, etc.)
Thank you for your time,
John
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HI my friend is Considering Joining the Navy. And he actually has had a medical Marijuanna card. do u think that will be a problem with him trying to enlist even though he doesnt have one now… Are u allowed to be in the military and have prescribed buds.? Let me know and thank you Buds
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okay so it is better to just not mention that he had a card to avoid all the waiver fuss and stuff okay thanx cheif God Bless you
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Hello,
I recently decided to join the navy. But on the subject of pot, I’ve been around it alot but have never done it. I’m afraid that I might have picked up traces of THC by second hand smoke and I’m terrified of going to meps and failing my drug test. Any pointers you can give me? -
Thank you so much! Seeing that post truly lifts the weight off of my shoulders! So let me get this straight. When I go to my recruiter he will give me a pee test to make sure I’ll pass my meps drug test? And should i tell my recurtier that I’ve been around pot?
Thanks ahead of time
-Alex
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I am considering applying for the Navy reserves. I wanted to know if my past marijuana use would be a major issue and lead to a potential disqualification. I am currently in my thirties and about two years ago consumed a small piece of cookie laced with marijuana. Additionally, in my teens I tried pot maybe three times. Knowing this, would I face serious hurdles in moving forward? Further, would this limit the opportunities I would potentially be eligible for?
Thanks in advance.
-Ryan
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I really want to join the Navy but here is my issue, I am 29 years old and since I was 19 I have been around marijuana off and on, i realized that it is not for me for I want a good life and be an influence on my country, so I have did away with the childish way and am fully convinced
this is what I am Passionate about The Navy,as I would like to major in Nuclear Science or Radiation Therapist,and I have been away from old friends and mj since Aug 7th for good!! I am a bit wary as I was never in trouble for until 6 years ago I received a ticket for possession of Mj I was devastated as it did not belong to me, but I take the blame for allowing my friend at the time to carry it in my car. I had the option to pay for it or go to school, so I just paid it, I was not arrested, but upset, will this bar me from the Navy? Should I go to the commissioner and ask for school as he dropped the case from a misdemeanor to an infraction as I paid triple the amount?Also I have been running and working out a lot to naturally get rid of any trace of THC that might still linger in me as I really want the Navy as a part of my life! I am considering waiting until DEC or even Jan 2012 to fully go through with the paper work just to make certain I do not embarrass my self or ruin any chance that there may be if I go to MEPS and to discipline myself to fully commit to the Navy. What is your take? And lastly I am in need of doing my taxes of 2 years,which I am going to do and sure I will pay a penalty for it which I accept , will that have an effect on any chance I have? I really would appreciate any Advise you could give? Thanks Steven -
Hi, I was diagnosed with alcohol abuse but not dependence due to an incident in which I was admitted to the hospital for alcohol poisoning. Also, my university police gave me a ticket for minor in possession of alcohol – this was expunged from my record once I completed the alcohol evaluation that resulted in my diagnosis.
This all happened about 3 months ago and since then I’ve stayed away from alcohol and been clean overall. Can you help me out in describing what sorts of hurdles will I face with a Navy recruiter and at MEPS? Thanks in advance
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Thanks for your help. I hate to keep prying, but do you know for what kinds of reason MEPS medical might not approve my processing? Would it just be a reluctance to issue alcohol/drug waivers in general?
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Thanks, sounds good. One last question sir, would I need to submit my hospitalization records in addition to the diagnosis of alcohol abuse or are they not necessary?
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I’ve enlisted in the navy and went to meps, but might possibly be found convicted of a dui with a prior but waived tickect of public intox and minor consumption of mj. Are my chances of joining over?
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I have been wanting to join the navy for sometime now, i have stopped my mj use but my friends have hotboxed their cars recently with me in it many of time. I didnt leave the car because i didnt think it would affect me,i found out i can still test positive and i am going to see a recuiter tomorrow, and i thinks its meps. What, if anything can be done??
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i went to meps and failed the drug test for adderall a methamphedamine and a controlled substance.i was perscribed it as a child and have maintained the perscription throughout i used it periodically in situations where i knew extra focus and concentration would be beneficial,i in no way shape or form need the drug to function nor complete my day to day tasks but thats neither here nor there.i was sent a letter in the mail stating that i had been suspended for one calendar year from the date i went up to meps (my 18th bday) my question is will my failed drug test taken while trying to join the navy hinder me from joining another branch of the military ? or do they function independently among each branch
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I am interested in the Nuclear Field. In my junior year of high school I was arrested for posession of weed (up to half oz, and truthfully it was a single stem in my backpack) and a single vicodin (schedule III narcotic). I went through deferred prosecution immediately after being arrested. I am now a sophomore/junior in college and have shown no inclination to a continued drug abuse. I am reading alot of this and that about NF and ineligibility with previous drug history. Is there a possibility of being waived for my past criminal offense, as it is noted as a single transgression, noted as a misdemeanor, and occured almost 4 years ago.
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Hello,
I had a MIC (Minor in Consumption) charge in 2005 which I paid $250 for and that’s all. Then in July 2009 I checked myself into an Inpatient Rehab for Alcohol. I completed the Rehab and have stayed sober since. What do you think the odds are of being processed through at MEPs, and will this require a waiver?
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My son joined the navy under delayed entry and went for his meps and his urine came back with high protein levels and they said it’s over, we can’t take the chance that you are trying to hide something. And you will not be eligible to join and branch of the military. How could they do that???
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I believe he had it done on a Monday and he went to a meeting at the recuiting office and he pulled him aside and they told him it showed high levels of protein and that could mean you are trying to mask something and the navy isn’t willing to take a chance on that. he said he isn’t covering anything, give him another test right now or he can go to a lab and get one done, they said no, it is already in the system and that is it.
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He has done anything, they told him that there is nothing he can do, he is done, They didn’t even find anything but high protein..
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How does he go about that? is there a site or number to call? He has it in his mind that they said there is nothing he could do, so he is moving on and looking for a job. All he wanted to do was become a navy diver. He is a high honors graduate from a commercial diving school and has not been able to find work. whatever help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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Thanks so much for all your imput.
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I recently graduated from college in may with a civil engineering degree. I am interested in joining the Air Force in their officer program. I went to a recruiter and when he asked me about the drug question, I said no. In all actuality, I took lsd only once a couple of years ago and took part in some mj activities. I have been clean for 1 ½ years until just 2 days ago when I did it again. I know I’m an idiot, and I feel really guilty and upset about it. I also feel bad that I lied to my recruiter. I plan on telling him the truth about it. I really want to join the air force officer program but I also want to be honest about it. I wanted to get any advice that you could give me that would give the best chance of joining? Please help, I’m begging you!
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I know its been over 2 years since LSD. Would there still be any hope for me?
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I went to rehab in 2009 for alcohol abuse I told my recruiter she says it most likely will stop me I have been sober for almost 3 years now what do you think
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I have no police record at all I was to cautious. They said they need the medical record because it was in a hospital. So I was just wondering what your thoughts were. So my best option if I’m lucky is to get a waiver. They also said maybe a psych eval. I passed my asvab with flying colors I qualify for the nuke program. So if I do get in is there a chance I can get into nuke? Like I said no police involvement except 2 speeding tickets.
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So no?
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Hello, im looking to join the navy but recently had a run in with cops and now have a small possession charge.. i was given the option of taking a diversion class and not having it on my record or just taking it on my record and paying a fine.. i have nowhere to stay anymore & the classes would mean me being out on the streets for about 2 months,I was wondering if i just took the chrage could I get it waived or anything? ive been away from weed for awhile clean piss and everything,wrong place at the wrong time.
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my question: i had a dui 13 yrs ago and i am trying to enlist in the navy. im working on getting all of the court papers together and to my recruiter, but i was told that a dui will lead to an uphill battle for me. could someone please shine light on this and let me know what the chances of me actually being able to enlist are.
thank you.
bob
Drug Abuse and Addiction are becoming more and more serious, with the consequences becoming more and more dire, as seen above. The best course is of course to just not do it. For those of us who did do some experimentation there are options for fully detoxifying the body of unwanted drugs and toxins. This is not a temporary fix to pass a drug test, but a full handling and detoxification requiring weeks to complete. More information is available at (click commenter’s name link) for anyone interested.