Preventing Drug Abuse and Excessive Alcohol Use

Drug Abuse

Drug misuse and abuse includes any inappropriate use of pharmaceuticals (both prescription and over-the counter drugs) and any use of illegal drugs. This includes taking medications that were prescribed to someone else and taking medications in ways other than what was prescribed, such as for the experience or feelings they cause or in higher doses than recommended. We have the educational materials and resources to help you understand the negative effects of the misuse or abuse of over-the-counter and prescription medications, so that you can overcome drug abuse and live a healthy life.

Drugs of Abuse: Synthetic Drugs, such as Spice

• Synthetic Drugs (DDD)
• Synthetic Drugs and Your Health (Navy Medicine)
• Bath Salts: It's not a fad...It's a nightmare (Video) (Navy Medicine)
• Random Synthetic Marijuana Testing (Navy.mil)
• NAVADMIN 334/13: Inclusion of Synthetic Cannabinoids to the Standard Drug
• Medical Monday: Dangers of Synthetic Drugs: "Not In My Navy" (DoD Live)

Drugs of Abuse: Marijuana

• Prohibition on the Use of Marijuana by Military Service Members and Department of Defense Civilian Employees (OSD/OASD)
• Considering the Legal Implications of Drunk Driving and Marijuana Use (Military OneSource)
• Navy Cautions Sailors After Legalization of Marijuana (DoDLive)
• Marijuana Fact Sheet (OCHR)

Prescription or Over-the-Counter Drugs

• For Sailors and Marines
• Prescription for Discharge (DDD)
• Where to Turn for Help (DDD)
• Tips for Safe Use of Rx Drugs (DDD)
• Safe Use of Prescription Drugs (DDD)
• DrugFacts: Over-the-Counter Medications (NIDA)
• DrugFacts: Prescription Medicines (NIDA)
• DrugFacts: Cough and Cold Medicine Abuse (NIDA)

• For Leaders
• Campaign Implementation Guide: A Guide to Implementing the Prescription for Discharge Campaign (DDD)
• Leadership Discussion/Training Guide—Prescription for Discharge (DDD)
• A Closer Look at Rx Drug Abuse Epidemic Poster (DDD)
• Steps for Proper Use Poster (DDD)
• Navy Policy on Prescription Drugs Training (DDD)
• Trends and Facts on Prescription Drug Abuse Training (DDD)
• 4 Steps to Using Prescription Drugs Responsibly Training (DDD)
• Where to Turn for Help Training (DDD)

• For Medical Providers
• Navy Medical Personnel Talking Points—Prescription for Discharge (DDD)
• Medical Provider Toolkit: A Resource for Medical Providers to Prevent Prescription Drug Misuse (DDD)

Drug-Related Instructions and Directives

• OPNAVINST 5350.4D: Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention
• DoDI 1010.01: Military Personnel Drug Abuse and Testing Program (MPDATP)
• DoDI 1010.04: Drug and Alcohol Abuse by DoD Personnel
• DoDI 1010.09 DoD Civilian Employee Drug-Free Workplace Program

Additional Resources

• Substance Use and Misuse for Wounded, Ill and Injured (NMCPHC HPW)
• Drug Education for Youth (DDD)
• Navy Drug Screening Lab Videos
• Understanding and Identifying Substance Use Disorders (Military OneSource)
• Human Performance Resource Center
• Drug Abuse (Medline Plus)
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
• Surgeon General's Report on Alcohol, Drugs and Health