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 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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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
Get the Facts

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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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.

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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
Get the Facts

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
If I regularly experience pain and need relief, misusing opioids is the best option.
Understanding Prescription Drug Misuse
Get the Facts

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.

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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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What Can I Do
As a Service member, if I have questions about risky drug use (like prescription drug misuse or illicit and prohibited drug use), I should look at:
What Can I Do
Get the Facts

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.

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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 dumbell
As an active duty Service member, I can take weight loss drugs to meet weight standards and PT requirements.
Prescription Drug Facts
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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.

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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.

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Marijuana, CBD, & Hemp Facts
Illustration of a clipboard and pen
As a Service member, I can use the following products even if they contain hemp:
Marijuana, CBD, & Hemp Facts
Get the Facts

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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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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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.
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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.