Drug, Chemical or Substance Abuse in the NZDF

MD 116  Annex A

NZDF Guidance

The policy of the NZDF as it relates to drug, substance and alcohol abuse, and to the control of smoking rests upon the foundation of:  

1. The operational effectiveness, welfare and good of the Service or NZDF as a whole; and  
2. The health, rights and well being of individual personnel  

The policy has the following aspects:  

1. Drug and substance abuse will not be condoned in the NZDF. Every practical measure, including the use of urinalysis, will be taken to prevent entry into the NZDF of such abusers, to educate against abuse, and to discharge those identified as being abusers. In the event that an undetected drug or substance abuser voluntarily seeks treatment, then appropriate treatment will be provided. In these circumstances the subsequent retention or otherwise of the individual will depend upon the success of the treatment and the circumstances of the particular case.  
2. While moderate use of alcohol will be permitted, an abuser who refuses or fails to respond to treatment will be discharged. Every practical measure will be taken to prevent entry into the NZDF of alcohol abusers and to educate personnel against such abuse.  
3. Every practical measure will be taken to educate against and discourage smoking.  

A definition of terms used, is as follows:  

1. Drug Abuse: Use of a controlled drug as defined in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 and the Amendment Act 2005, or any other drug not taken in accordance with the directions of a person lawfully authorised to administer the drug. It therefore includes abuse of prescription drugs and restricted medicines as defined in the Medicines Act.
2. Alcohol Abuse: The consumption of alcohol to the extent that the persons' health, social, economic, domestic or working life is - in the opinion of their Commanding Officer - detrimentally affected. Alcoholic liquor is as defined in the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 and the Amendment Act 2004.  
3. Substance Abuse: The misuse of any substance (not being a drug, alcohol or tobacco), including but not limited to solvents, fuel or glue, such that it is intentionally inhaled or ingested.
4. Smoking: As defined in the Smoke Free Environments Act 1990.

Acknowledgement of the NZDF Policy on the Retention of Drug Abusers

NZDF Policy

The NZDF Drug Abuse Policy is contained in Defence Force Orders 19/2002 and is amplified in Defence Force Orders 4 and Defence Force Orders (D) 34. My attention has been drawn to the following two paragraphs contained in Defence Force Orders 19/2002. “Service Personnel who have been convicted, diverted or discharged without conviction (under section 19 of the Criminal Justice Act 1985), in a civil court, or found guilty under the Armed Forces Discipline Act 1971 of an offence contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, are normally to be discharged from the Service. Such personnel are to be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Defence Force Orders 4. Personnel who are self-declared drug users, but have not been convicted of any drug offence, may nevertheless be administratively discharged from the Service, depending on the circumstances of the case. Such personnel are also to be given the opportunity to put their case in writing.” I further acknowledge that the NZDF operates a programme of random searching and testing in order to identify drug users. I hereby consent to the carrying out of such searching and testing.

I have also been informed that I will be required to undergo drug test by urinalysis prior to my attestation. A positive result or refusal to undergo the test will result in my enlistment into the NZDF being cancelled.

I acknowledge the NZDF Drug Abuse Policy

Signature  Date