UPDATED/ VERIFIED 29 January 2026
OPNAV Instruction 5350.4E is most current version of instruction.
***NEW***
OPNAVINST 5350.4E and OPGUIDES
The OPNAV Instruction 5350.4E is the most current version of instruction and available to read online. Users please be advised that the correct links for the OPNAVINST 5350.4E are on the following document. Find a summary of changes here. Updated OPGUIDES for ADCOs, DAPAs, UPCs, Support Programs and others are now available for download to reflect the new Instruction on the Policy & OPGuides page.
The N173 February Newsletter is live view the issue here!
OPNAV N173 Branch name has changed, the new Branch name is Navy Substance Prevention and Deterrence.
Update to the Department of Defense Drug Testing Panel: Change in Cutoff for Codeine. You can access the link here.
Clarification of Resource Sponsorship and Oversight for DEFY and Drug Demand Reduction Programs
Effective immediately, OPNAV N173 is no longer the resource sponsor for the Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) program. Commands that elect to operate a DEFY program assume responsibility as the resource sponsor, to include identification and execution of required funding.
DEFY and all Drug Demand Reduction Programs (DDRP) are not suspended and may continue to be executed at the command level at the discretion of the commanding officer.
OPNAV N173 remains the policy proponent and functional authority for DEFY and all DDRP-related initiatives and awards. In this role, N173 will continue to provide policy guidance, execution direction, best practices, and technical assistance to commands requiring support in program implementation or compliance.
Commands seeking assistance with program execution, policy interpretation, or DDRP-related awards are encouraged to coordinate directly with OPNAV N173. Please direct all questions and concerns to Mr. Allen Moore at allen.l.moore10.civ@us.navy.mil.
Our Mission
Support Fleet readiness by fighting drug and alcohol misuse.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse for Managers/Supervisors (ADAMS) for Leaders. The updated ADAMS for Leaders course is now available again on Navy e-Learning. Full instructions to access all courses are available on our Training page.
Poppy Seeds Guidance
ALNAV 035/23 clarifies the Navy’s policy on the consumption of poppy seeds. Poppy seeds may be compromised with morphine and codeine, which can cause Service Members to test positive during a routine urinalysis testing. Therefore, in accordance with policy guidelines, refrain from any consumption of all food products and baked goods containing poppy seeds.
Hemp, CBD, and Infused Energy Drink Guidance
ALNAV 074/20 clarifies Navy's prohibition on the use of hemp-derived products including but not limited to cannabidiol (CBD). This poster has information about energy drinks containing hemp/CBD.
Newsletter
The N173 February Newsletter is live! The submission for the February Newsletter focuses on the end of year testing results, energy drinks and heart health, and DEFY suspension message.
Social media: The Substance Prevention and Deterrence office has media presence on YouTube. Check out the link below for more information on our uploaded videos for insight on our prevention efforts.
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/@OPNAVN173
Department of the Navy
Navy Culture and Force Resilience Office
OPNAV N173
Bldg 457 Rm 249
5720 Integrity Drive
Millington, TN 38055-6000