Military Life & Risks
This is the most frequently abused substance in the military, often associated with a culture of "work hard, play hard."
What is alcohol?
This is a confidential, non-medical option for service members to seek counseling for substance abuse issues without it impacting their command.
What is Military and Family Life Counseling (MFLC) or a chaplain?
A commander's primary concern regarding substance abuse is its negative impact on this, the force's ability to fight and win.
What is unit readiness or mission readiness?
This is the official term for a service member voluntarily seeking help for substance abuse.
What is a "self-referral"?
The DoW conducts this type of testing on a randomized basis to deter and detect illicit substance use among service members.
What is a command-directed urinalysis (or random drug test)?
Though legal for civilians in many states, use of this substance in any form is strictly prohibited for all service members at all times.
What is marijuana (or any product containing THC)?
This is the military's healthcare program that provides treatment options for substance use disorders.
What is TRICARE?
This term describes a service member's ability to be sent to a combat zone, which can be jeopardized by substance abuse issues.
What is the ability to deploy?
This is a slang term for being removed from the military for failing a drug test.
What is "getting popped" or "popping hot"?
In 2026, the DoW continues to strictly warn service members against using these over-the-counter fitness and energy products, as they are unregulated and may contain banned substances.
What are dietary supplements (or pre-workouts)?
The DoD warns service members that using these products, often bought for fitness, can contain banned substances and lead to a positive drug test.
What are dietary supplements?
This Air Force program is designed to address and treat substance abuse problems throughout all ranks.
What is the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) program?
An alcohol-related incident can result in the loss of this privilege, severely limiting a service member's personal freedom on and off base.
What are driving privileges?
This is the state of being unable to perform military duties due to intoxication, a punishable offense under the UCMJ.
What is "drunk on duty"?
A commander can order this specific type of drug test if they have a reasonable belief that a service member is currently under the influence of illicit substances.
What is a probable cause urinalysis?
This is a primary reason service members might misuse prescription drugs, such as opioids, given the physical demands of their job.
What is managing pain or physical injuries?
This organization provides a wide range of services for former service members, including extensive treatment programs for substance abuse and PTSD.
What is the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)?
A pattern of alcohol-related incidents will likely result in this type of negative administrative action placed in a service member's official file.
What is a Letter of Reprimand (LOR) or a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR)?
A "0-0-1-3" policy is a harm reduction strategy encouraging no more than zero DUIs, zero underage drinking, one drink per hour, and ____.
What is three drinks per sitting? (a max of this many drinks per night)
The DoW strictly prohibits the misuse of these medications, often prescribed for ADHD or sleep disorders, by taking them without a current, valid prescription.
What are prescription stimulants or sedatives (e.g., Adderall, Ambien)?
Substance abuse is a significant risk factor for this, a major concern for military leaders and the well-being of the force.
What is suicide?
This Army program provides substance abuse prevention, education, and treatment services.
What is the Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP)? Now known as SUDCC (Substance Use Disorder Clinical Care)
In addition to separation, a positive urinalysis for illicit drugs can result in this type of military discharge, which can affect veteran benefits.
What is an Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge?
This is the process where a unit is subjected to a surprise, command-directed drug test.
What is a "sweep" or a "100% urinalysis"?
Modern DoW drug screenings now frequently test for these synthetic cannabinoid variants, which are often falsely marketed as legal hemp products.
What are Delta-8 or Delta-9 THC?