NATIONAL GUARD October 2023

CONTACT US

For more information on prescription drug misuse or other topics, email us at: 

ng.ncr.ngb.mbx.resiliency-branch@army.mil

HOLISTIC WELLNESS CHALLENGE

CHALLENGE your Service members to adopt at least one of the 

recommended resources to prevent prescription drug misuse.

When taken as directed, prescription 

drugs can manage or relieve 

symptoms, like pain or sleeplessness. 

When misused, prescription drugs 

can cause harm or lead to death. 

Use these tips to protect yourself, 

family (especially children), and pets 

from accidental or intentional misuse:

• Dispose of unused medications, so 

you aren’t tempted to take or share 

them; and others don’t accidently 

swallow them.

• Promptly treat injuries or illnesses 

to reduce long-term prescription 

drug use.

• Know how and when to take 

medications, and when to stop.

• Talk to a doctor about non-drug 

alternatives, like acupuncture or 

physical therapy.

• Safely store drugs in a medication 

lock box. 

PROTECT YOURSELF 

& OTHERS

FACTS & FIGURES: DID YOU KNOW?

• 6% of Americans over the age of 12 misuse prescription drugs1

• 12% of prescription drug misusers are addicted1

• Prescription drugs are the third-most abused substance after marijuana and 

cocaine1

• The types of prescription drugs people abuse most are painkillers, stimulants, 

sedatives, and tranquilizers1

Addiction is a condition due to a 

combination of social, biological, and 

psychological factors. If someone 

can’t stop taking a medication despite 

experiencing the signs and symptoms 

of misuse, they may have an 

addiction and should seek immediate 

help by dialing 988 then press 1. 

Addiction is a physical need, not a 

weakness. It often leaves people 

feeling alone in their struggle. 

Anyone can offer support by:

• Listening without judgment

• Being patient and encouraging

• Respecting privacy and setting 

boundaries

SUPPORT THOSE IN NEED

•Sudden weight gain 

or loss

•Bloodshot eyes

•Tremors

•Slurred speech

•Sudden mood 

swings or agitation

•Lack of motivation

•Hyperactivity

•Paranoia

•Sudden change in 

activities or interests

•Legal problems

•Financial difficulties

•Relationship issues

Physical

PRESCRIPTION DRUG MISUSE IMPACTS WELL-BEING

Behavioral Social

PRESCRIPTON 

DRUG MISUSE 

RISKS IT ALL
The contents of this document are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

REFERENCES:

1. National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, https://drugabusestatistics.org 

SPOTLIGHT: CONNECTEDNESS AND RELATIONSHIP EDUCATION (CARE)

• CARE builds trust between leaders and subordinates to develop ready and resilient Service members.

• The training helps leaders identify and mitigate risk factors for substance misuse to protect Service members from experiencing 

adverse outcomes.

• For more information, email: ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mbx.ngb-j1-partnerships@army.mil

RESOURCES TO RECOMMEND

Too Much to Lose shares information and free promotional materials related to prescription drug misuse 

https://toomuchtolose.org

Army Directive 2021-21 outlines use of prescribed controlled medications 

https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN32521-ARMY_DIR_2021-21-000-WEB-1.pdf

Air Force Instruction 44-121 outlines the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program 

https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_sg/publication/afi44-121/afi44-121.pdf

Military OneSource offers 24/7 access to free, confidential support 

https://www.militaryoncesource.mil

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides 24/7 free and confidential treatment referral and 

support https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is October 28, 2023; search for a local collection site/event 

https://www.dea.gov/takebackday

Search for a year round drug disposal site near you https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal

Consult the flush list of meds that can be disposed of in the toilet or instructions for discarding in the trash 

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/safe-disposal-medicines/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know

Operation Supplement Safety contains the DoD Prohibited List and other tools provided by the Uniformed Services 

University https://www.opss.org

What does it mean?

• Prescription drug misuse can mean one of three things: 

• Not following a provider’s directions, like taking more at a time or using more frequently than 

prescribed.

• Taking someone else’s drug even if for minor issues, like pain or sleeplessness.

• Using a drug for a reason other than its prescribed use, like taking ADHD (attention deficient 

hyperactivity disorder) meds to stay awake.

Why does it matter?

• Misuse can cause physical and mental harm, lead to a discharge or separation from the military, or 

result in accidental death or suicide. 

What can you do?

• Proactively reach out to Service members showing signs and symptoms. 

• Create a safe environment for them to talk openly and seek help.

• Discourage drug sharing and emphasize the need to follow doctors’ orders.

• Know when and how to safely dispose of medications.

• Recommend medication lock boxes to store drugs safely and easily.

• Stress that struggling with misuse or addiction is not a sign of weakness and asking for support 

shows true strength.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS SHOULD HELP NOT HARM

Drug misuse is an 

unhealthy behavior that 

can create an unsafe 

environment putting 

Service members and 

the mission at risk. 

Service members are 

encouraged to take the 

Defense Organizational 

Climate Survey (DEOCS) 

to assess command 

culture. 

Reminder, the DEOCS 

must be initiated by 

OCT 31 to meet the NOV 

30 deadline. 

MISUSE & THE 

WORKPLACE