Social Implications of Prescription Drug Misuse

Prescription drug misuse involves taking a medication in a way other than the way it was prescribed or taking someone else’s prescription. Prescription drug misuse has major harmful consequences on warfighters, their families, community and overall ability to serve. Here’s a look at the social impacts of prescription drug misuse and how warfighters can seek help:

Impacts on Relationships

• Strained Relationships: Misuse of prescription drugs can lead to behavioral changes that strain relationships with family and friends. Trust issues, secrecy, and strange behavior can result in conflicts and communication breakdowns.
• Parenting Challenges: Parents misusing prescription drugs may become less attentive and responsible, impacting their children’s emotional and physical well-being.

Impacts to the Workplace

• Decreased Productivity: The misuse of prescription drugs results in decreased cognitive function, physical fitness, productivity and an increase in errors, and the potential for mission-related accidents.
• Unfit for Duty: Continued misuse of drugs can threaten the success of a mission. Drug misuse can lead to impaired physical and cognitive readiness, increased risk of injury, non-deployability, threat to security clearance and a major breakdown in unit camraderie and trust.

Impacts to the Community

• Crime: There is a connection between drug misuse and increased rates of criminal activity, including theft (to obtain drugs or money for drugs) and violence. This can impact safety in communities.
• Driving Accidents: Misusing prescription drugs can impair driving ability, which can increase the risk of accidents and pose a danger to public safety.

Seek Help

• Courage: Warfighters seeking help for prescription misuse are brave for recognizing they need help with their condition. The military offers robust support for service members and families facing addiction.
• Warfighter Programs: Each branch of the military has specific substance abuse programs offering prevention, education, counseling and treatment.
  • Marine Corps Substance Abuse Program
  • Navy Alcohol and Drug Prevention Program
  • Air Force Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program
  • Army Substance Abuse Program
• Helplines: Support is always available for warfighters to take the first step toward a healthier future.
  • Military OneSource: Call 800-342-9647 for assistance navigating military-specific resources.
  • Military Crisis Line: Dial 988 and press 1 for immediate support.
  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Call 800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential support and referrals to treatment programs.

Understanding and addressing the social impacts of prescription drug misuse is key to keeping service members ready to carry out their missions. It requires a coordinated effort among warfighters and healthcare professionals to effectively tackle the challenges posed by this issue. Learn more about ways to improve your health and prescription drug facts here.