Observances and Events

Observances

• National Impaired Driving Prevention Month (December 2023) –Did you know that a DUI or DWI can be given for substances other than alcohol? A DUI or DWI can occur when a driver is impaired by prescription or over-the-counter medications or other substances such as illegal drugs or marijuana. National Impaired Driving Prevention Month in December is an opportunity for professionals to highlight the importance of avoiding risky drug use and misuse for Service members. Utilize Too Much to Lose resources to educate Service members on how to make it home safely and steer clear of impaired driving.
  • Ready-to-use messaging. Complement your local efforts, like plan of the day (POD)/plan of the week (POW) notes, newsletter articles, email communications, and more, with these ready-to-use messages and resources:
    • Protect your job and well-being. Using prohibited substances [PDF 52KB] is never worth the risk and can have serious consequences on your health, relationships, and career. Learn more about what you can do to avoid risky drug use.
    • Socialize responsibly. Think twice about the setting you’ll be in if you’re going out. If you are invited to a party where you know there will be risky drug use, you might need to make the tough decision to stay away to keep yourself safe. You can also drive yourself so you can leave at any time (as long as you’re not drinking).
    • Say no to peer pressure. We’ve all been in a situation where our friends do something that we don’t agree with or don’t want to take part in. Remember, you can control your own actions when it comes to peer pressure and risky drug use.
    • Protect those around you. Go the extra mile to make sure your buddies don’t drive while impaired. Always encourage them to choose a safer method of getting home or opt to be their designated driver.
  • Check out the National Highway Traffic Safely Administration’s (NHTSA) webpage on drug-impaired driving to find more information and supplement your efforts so that Service members can protect themselves and others on the road this holiday season.
  • Read up on the NHTSA’s If You Feel Different, You Drive Different campaign which outlines the dangers of driving while impaired by drugs and promotes safer choices. They also team up with law enforcement for the annual If You Feel Different You Drive Different, Drive High Get a DUI campaign to remind drivers that drug-impaired driving (even marijuana!) isn’t a mistake; it’s a crime.
• Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (March 20-26, 2023) – Use this week in March as an opportunity to educate Service members about the dangers of risky drug use. Check out and use the latest Too Much to Lose campaign resources as part of your substance use education efforts to make sure Service members understand and avoid risky drug use.
  • Ready-to-use messaging. These ready-to-use messages and resources can complement your local efforts like social media outreach, plan of the day (POD)/plan of the week (POW) notes, newsletter articles, email communications, and more.
    • Avoiding risky drug use applies to Service members beyond your normal duty day or when you’re in uniform. Check out this video to see why staying away from risky drug use can protect the things you care about most – even if you’re deployed, on leave or off duty.
    • The answer to managing pain isn’t always using prescription drugs. Learn about the different non-drug pain management options that could help your pain as a Service member. Talk to your health care provider about what might be available and right for you, as well as what steps you can take to access these services.
    • Stay informed on the latest info by checking out the Too Much to Lose Trending Topics! Learn about trending topics like rainbow fentanyl. Named for its bright colors, this highly addictive and potentially deadly opioid is specifically marketed to appeal to children and young people but is illegal and extremely dangerous. Check this page regularly to stay up-to-date so you don’t put you or your career at risk.
• National Prescription Drug Take Back Day (April 29, 2023) –This observance is sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to spread awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and provide a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of prescription drugs. In support of this day, ensure Service members understand the risks of prescription drug misuse and know how to safely dispose of their prescription drugs.
  • Download and share Too Much to Lose promotional materials:
    • Check out the following materials with information and tips on prescription drugs, including how to educate Service members on how to dispose of them correctly:
      • Get Rid of Unused Prescriptions poster [PDF 392 KB]. Learn why it’s not worth the risk to keep extra medication around. Instead, find out how to protect yourself by getting rid of it.
      • Get Rid of Unused Prescriptions fact sheet [PDF 561KB]. Find more detailed information about why it’s not worth the risk to keep unused prescription drugs.
    • Ready-to-use messaging. These ready-to-use messages and resources can complement your local efforts like social media outreach, plan of the day (POD)/plan of the week (POW) notes, newsletter articles, email communications, and more.
      • “Just in case.” You may say that to yourself when feeling tempted to keep extra medicine after an injury or illness. Get rid of your unused prescriptions. It’s just not worth the potential risks such as a job disqualifier, disciplinary action or unknown medical interactions.
      • Responsible prescription drug use includes safe disposal. Visit your military treatment facility pharmacy to dispose of unused prescription drugs [PDF 561KB] during normal operating hours. You can also visit a local public disposal collection site any time.

Events

• Coming soon!