An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Don’t Sweat It – How Supplements and Military Drug Tests Overlap

  • Published
JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. --  Bulking up for you next fitness test? The supplements market has exploded. Gym rats seek to shape and improve, and they turn to pre-workout and post-workout formulas to better each lifting session. With nutritional supplement stores located on or near our installations and other competitors online, DoD personnel must ensure the items they purchase don’t contain ingredients that could trigger a positive drug test.

Many people know the supplement market is not regulated by the Federal Drug Agency. This lack of regulation means there may be substances in the product beyond what is listed in the ingredients. It’s not surprising that Bodybuilding.com’s 2012 “New Supplement of the Year” contained chemicals similar to methamphetamines. Relying on big brand names is one way to better combat ingesting a banned substance.

The DoD provides resources to inform personnel. At the base level, many Health and Wellness Centers will provide a listing of banned substances. Operation Supplement Safety is a joint initiative that is dedicated to educating DoD personnel about supplements. OPSS provides a lengthy list of high-risk supplements, though a disclaimer says that the list is not comprehensive.

The Drug Demand Reduction Program conducts random urinalysis on DoD personnel. The military’s zero tolerance policy forces commanders to ensure drug use is taken seriously. Before jumping into the supplements market, consider talking to your doctor about potentially healthier alternatives and any potential side effects. No gain is worth your career.

This article is not intended to replace seeking legal advice from an attorney. Legal assistance is provided at the Air Base on a walk-in basis on Tuesdays from 12-3 p.m. Legal Assistance is available at the Naval Weapons Station on a walk-in basis Mondays from 8-11 a.m. and on Fridays by appointment from 8-11 a.m. Please call 843-963-5502 for all appointments.