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).
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.

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What Could I Lose
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If I misuse substances it can affect my family, friends or military buddies.
What Could I Lose
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Misusing substances can put your loved ones, buddies and unit in uncomfortable and stressful situations.

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

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Prescription Drug Facts
Illustration of a Rx pill bottle
A prescription opioid is not:
Prescription Drug Facts
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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.

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What Can I Do
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Addiction happens because a person cannot control themself.
What Can I Do
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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.

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Marijuana, CBD, & Hemp Facts
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As a Service member, I can use marijuana if I am stationed in a state where it’s legal.
Marijuana, CBD, & Hemp Facts
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Marijuana is prohibited for all Active and Reserve Component members even if you are stationed in a state where it is legal.

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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.

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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.

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Marijuana, CBD, & Hemp Facts
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As a Service member, I can use the following products even if they contain hemp:
Marijuana, CBD, & Hemp Facts
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The DOD policy prohibits Service members from using products made or derived from hemp in any form. Durable goods like rope or clothing are not included in this policy and are okay to use.

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What Can I Do
Illustration of five pills
Strong pain relief medications (like opioids) relieve pain, but there may be safe non-drug options that can help you with pain instead.
What Can I Do
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There are several safe non-drug alternatives for managing pain that may be available at your MTF or under TRICARE. Check out this infographic so you know about these alternatives and talk to your health care provider to see if any of these will work for you and next steps.

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Prescription Drug Facts
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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
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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.

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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.

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Question of

Get the Truth on Risky Drug Use

Test Your Knowledge

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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.
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Supplements and Other Substances

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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.