Alcohol and Substance Misuse

Last Updated: August 15, 2023
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Substance use disorder includes the misuse of alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, opioids, sedatives, or stimulants. The misuse of alcohol, prescription medications, and other drugs can impact Soldier readiness and resilience and may have negative effects on family, friends, and the Army community. Check out the Health of the Force report to get the most current substance use metrics across the Active Duty Army and Army National Guard.​

Alcohol and drug overdoses play a leading role in suicide attempts among Army Service members. The Army Public Health Center is not a crisis center and does not provide counseling services. If you or someone you know needs help:

  • Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 and press 1 for the Military Crisis Line 
  • Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), press 1 or Text 838255

​The Army continues to adapt prevention and treatment efforts to the unique characteristics of military life and culture. Prevention is about leading a healthy lifestyle and encourages avoiding or stopping risky behavior to help you get healthy and stay healthy.  This page has links for resources to address anabolic steroids, over-the-counter medication misuse, and preventing excessive alcohol use.


Heads up: Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s largest and longest-running drug-use prevention campaign, is happening October 23-31. This year’s theme is Celebrate Life. Live Drug-Free – a reminder that every day Americans across the country make significant daily contributions to their communities by being the best they can be because they live Drug-Free. Read how one Army community used Red Ribbon Week​External Link to highlight an individual and community commitment to be drug free. Use the Community Resource Guide to contact your local Army Substance Abuse Program for more information.