If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Military Crisis Line at 988 and press 1, or Text 838255. You can also call 911.

Too Much To Lose Homepage

If you are a Reservist or Guardsman and are struggling with risky drug use, please contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
What Can I Do
Illustration of five pills
There’s no reason to get rid of unused prescription drugs.
What Can I Do
Get the Facts

If you don’t get rid of unused prescription drugs, you may be tempted to share them with others or take them if old symptoms come back. This could put your job and health at risk. Instead, learn how to properly dispose of unused medications.

Learn More
Prescription Drug Facts
Illustration of a Rx pill bottle
A prescription opioid is not:
Prescription Drug Facts
Get the Facts

Prescription opioids are a type of narcotic that relax the body and relieve pain. Health care providers prescribe them to Service members in specific situations and for specific reasons. It is important to use them only as directed.

Learn More
Understanding Prescription Drug Misuse
As a Service member, I can use prescription drugs (like stimulants) to help me stay awake without a prescription from my health care provider.
Understanding Prescription Drug Misuse
Get the Facts

Misusing prescription drugs to stay awake and “get the job done” puts you and your career at risk. If you’re feeling tired and looking for ways to stay alert while on duty, remember that talking to your health care provider is a good first step. Find out more from this article.

Learn More
Prescription Drug Facts
Illustration of a Rx pill bottle
As a Service member, if you pop positive on a drug test for an opioid that was given to you by your medical provider and used in the specified time frame, there can be disciplinary action.
Prescription Drug Facts
Get the Facts

Prescription opioids can be prescribed, safely used and still cause a Service member to pop positive. Remember to protect yourself by letting your PCM know about any medications you are prescribed off-base, including in the ER or another medical visit so it can be documented in your record.

Learn More
Understanding Prescription Drug Misuse
Illustration of miscellaneous pills
Prescription drug misuse is:
Understanding Prescription Drug Misuse
Get the Facts

Prescription drug misuse means you are not following your health care provider’s directions (such as taking more medication at a time or more frequently than prescribed), you are taking someone else’s prescription drug or you are using medication for any reason other than what it was prescribed for.

Learn More
Understanding Prescription Drug Misuse
Illustration of a bed
If I’m having trouble sleeping, there are many techniques I can try before turning to sleep medications.
Understanding Prescription Drug Misuse
Get the Facts

Among Service members, getting enough quality sleep can be a challenge. If you experience problems sleeping, talk to your health care provider.

Learn More
What Could I Lose
Illustration of a Drug Test Failed stamp
If I get a drug offense as a Service member, I could lose the following after my time in the military:
What Could I Lose
Get the Facts

A drug offense can lead to discharge or separation from the military which ultimately could mean losing benefits you worked hard to earn.

Learn More
Prescription Drug Facts
Illustration of a dumbell
As an active duty Service member, I can take weight loss drugs to meet weight standards and PT requirements.
Prescription Drug Facts
Get the Facts

As an active duty Service member, you must have a prescription from your health care provider, meet Service branch requirements and have the necessary permission and waivers to use weight loss drugs.

Learn More
What Could I Lose
Illustration of two shaking hands
If I misuse substances it can affect my family, friends or military buddies.
What Could I Lose
Get the Facts

Misusing substances can put your loved ones, buddies and unit in uncomfortable and stressful situations.

Learn More
Understanding Prescription Drug Misuse
Illustration of a Service member scratching his head
As a Service member, which option is the best way to deal with stress?
Understanding Prescription Drug Misuse
Get the Facts

Some stress can be good, but continual stress can have negative impacts. Arm yourself with ways to tackle stress to prevent yourself from misusing prescription drugs or turning to something illicit or prohibited.

Learn More
What Can I Do
Illustration of three exclamation points
Addiction happens because a person cannot control themself.
What Can I Do
Get the Facts

Addiction happens due to multiple factors; some are uncontrollable (like genetics). Indicators of addiction may include losing self-control and not being able to stop taking a drug despite negative effects. Addiction is a disease and not a lack of willpower. Talk to your health care provider about any medication concerns.

Learn More
Prescription Drug Facts
Illustration of a stethescope
If taking over-the-counter meds doesn’t help lower back pain, you should try self-medicating with leftover prescription drugs before seeking treatment from your health care provider.
Prescription Drug Facts
Get the Facts

Self-medicating is considered prescription drug misuse and carries serious risks for your health and career. Remember to dispose of unused prescription drugs and talk to your health care provider if you have concerns about pain, whether it’s acute or chronic.

Learn More
Question of

Get the Truth on Risky Drug Use

Test Your Knowledge

Illustrated hand holding Too Much To Lose playing cards
Now you know!
Great job testing your knowledge on prescription drug misuse and illicit and prohibited drug use. Policies and trends change and it’s your job to know how to protect your career. But don’t worry – we have you covered on all the latest information. Check out the sections below to keep learning.
Learn more

Supplements and Other Substances

Doctor Holding Clipboard

Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS)

Looking for information on supplements? Find evidence-based information and tools to make informed decisions about dietary supplements to reduce potential risks to health and career.

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Looking for information on drugs not covered on this site? Find fact sheets and information on illegal and prohibited drugs as well as emerging trends and alerts.

Want to Quit Tobacco?

YouCanQuit2 is an educational campaign to help U.S. Service members quit tobacco—for themselves and their loved ones.

Visit Site

Want to Learn About Responsible Drinking?

Own Your Limits is an educational campaign to help U.S. Service members learn to drink responsibly, if they choose to drink alcohol.

Visit Site
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Military Crisis Line at 988 and press 1, or Text 838255. You can also call 911.