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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Opioids are often misused when a person experiences chronic pain and cannot get relief. However, by knowing how to properly manage or treat pain, you can steer clear of misusing prescription opioids (as well as the risk of putting your health and career in danger) and get the pain relief you’re looking for.

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.

Marijuana is prohibited for all Active and Reserve Component members even if you are stationed in a state where it is legal.

As a Service member, you should stay informed on both the DOD and Service branch policies to keep you and your career safe. Check out this article to see how Too Much to Lose breaks it down.

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.