Substance Abuse and Addiction

To prevent and identify drug use among military personnel, Department of Defense policy requires service members to participate in random urinalysis testing. For those struggling with addiction, the military offers support. Here are the basics of its drug prevention program:

If you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, change is possible. It typically takes treatment, support from others, commitment and hard work.

Understanding and identifying a substance use problem, whether your own or that of a friend, can be the beginning of a better life. Learn how to identify the warning signs of substance use disorders and where to get help.

With the challenges of long family separations and permanent change of station moves, military teens may be more vulnerable to drug and alcohol use. Certain common challenges like a need for social acceptance at a new school may prompt teens to act before considering consequences.