Preventing Drug Misuse: The Role of Fitness Programs

Fitness programs are important in the prevention of drug misuse for warfighters, and can also help in managing substance use disorders, as they build physical readiness, and serve as a protective factor against future substance misuse by strengthening key areas of wellness, connection and purpose. Here’s how fitness programs can help prevent drug misuse or support management of substance use disorders:

Healthy Alternatives and Social Support

• Fitness programs offer positive activities for warfighters that occupy their time and provide alternatives to substance use. These programs foster a sense of belonging, peer support and positive social networks for warfighters, which protect against drug misuse.

Resilience and Coping Skills

• Participation in fitness programs can enhance self-esteem and help manage stress and emotions, which can help reduce a warfighter’s vulnerability to substance misuse.

Engaging Warfighters

• Fitness programs can be tailored to engage warfighters at higher risk for drug misuse or with a history of substance use, providing accessible and inclusive prevention strategies.

Education and Prevention

• Many programs incorporate drug education, life skills training and prevention messaging alongside fitness activities, highlighting healthy choices and awareness that support warfighters’ mission readiness.

Reducing Risk Factors

• Regular participation of warfighters in fitness programs is associated with reduced risk factors such as boredom and social isolation and increased protective factors such as positive adult role models and goal setting.

Military Fitness Resources

Fitness programs available across the military support both community wellness and mission readiness. These resources range from community-based offerings that promote social connection and healthy lifestyles, to structured training programs that enhance warfighter performance and resilience. Here are some options to help you get started:

• Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Programs
  MWR supports a wide range of fitness- and recreation-focused activities for service members and their families. These include fitness classes, intramural sports leagues, wellness events, sightseeing trips, equipment rentals (e.g., bikes, kayaks, skis) and discounted tickets to entertainment venues. Activities vary by location but aim to foster social connection, family wellness and healthy lifestyles.
• Installation Fitness Centers
  All military installations offer access to fitness centers, many of which provide group exercise classes, weight rooms, cardio equipment and wellness programming. These centers are a key resource for staying active and connected during off-duty hours.
• Warfighter-Centric Physical Readiness Programs
  • Army – Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F)
    H2F integrates physical training with nutrition, sleep, mental and spiritual readiness to optimize Soldier performance and resilience. It is a core component of Army physical readiness training.
  • Marine Corps – High Intensity Tactical Training (HITT)
    HITT focuses on combat-specific strength, speed, agility and endurance. It supports Marines’ physical readiness as part of their regular PT regimen.
  • Navy – Operational Fitness and Fueling System (NOFFS)
    NOFFS delivers evidence-based fitness programming and nutrition strategies designed to enhance operational performance and reduce injury risk.
  • Air Force & Space Force – Fitness Programs
    These programs emphasize flexibility, accountability and readiness, supported by evolving fitness standards and resources tailored to mission demands.
• Clinical & Preventive Wellness Support
  • Armed Forces Wellness Centers (AFWCs)
    AFWCs offer comprehensive health and wellness services, including metabolic testing, body composition analysis, stress management, sleep education and physical fitness assessments. They are a key resource for individualized prevention, performance optimization and behavior change support.

All in all, staying physically fit and connected are critical to ensuring you are at your best, fit to fight and win when called. Join a community or installation-specific fitness program today and build strength, connection and resilience – because staying mission-ready means staying away from drug misuse.

Seek Help

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.

Community fitness programs are an important part of drug prevention among warfighters in the community. These programs offer healthy alternatives, social support, and education, and can build resilience so warfighters can stay ready to serve.