Substance Misuse

Use these strategies to stay in control and reduce risks.

Control Your Environment

• Participate in activities that do not involve alcohol. Stick with people you know and trust to honor your choices.
• Practice your "No" before heading out. Avoid peer pressure by ordering a mocktail or non-alcoholic drink.

Set Your Limits

• Aim for no more than three standard drinks per occasion. Stick to beer or wine—they are easier to track than mixed drinks.
  • ➤ Beer (5%): 12 oz
  • ➤ Wine (12%): 5 oz
  • ➤ Liquor (40%): 1.5 oz
  • ➤ Malt (7%): 8 oz

Protect Your Why

• Keep your "why" visible on your phone as a consistent reminder of your priorities.
• Choosing environments and people that support your goals rather than testing your determination.

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Support Resources

You do not have to regain your balance by doing it alone. Connect with professional support:

• Community Counseling Program
• Family Advocacy Program
• Chaplains
• Military and Family Life Counseling (MFLC)
• OSCAR
• Other resources

Contact your local installation to inquire about services.

You are not alone. Support is available 24/7.

Your encouragement can be the turning point for a fellow Marine or loved one.

How to Start the Conversation

• Be Direct: Share specific behaviors you’ve noticed and why you are worried.
• Express Care: Ensure the person knows your concern comes from a place of support.
• Offer Support: Offer to go with the person to seek professional care.

Warning Signs of Medication Misuse

The DoD maintains a zero-tolerance policy for illicit substances.

• Unauthorized Use: Taking medication prescribed for someone else.
• Incorrect Dosage: Taking a larger dose or using it longer than prescribed.
• Improper Administration: Crushing, snorting, or injecting medication.
• Unknown Substances: Consuming any substance without knowing its exact contents.
• Expired Medication: Using old or expired prescriptions.

For more information, see SECNAVINST 5300.28F.

Leaders, you are the first line of defense in maintaining the wellness and readiness of your units. Decisive action is critical in addressing substance misuse and upholding Marine Corps standards.

Foster a Healthy Culture

• Lead by Example: Demonstrate and encourage healthy coping mechanisms for stress, such as exercise and open communication, rather than turning to alcohol.
• De-glamorize Alcohol: Shift the focus away from alcohol at unit events and gatherings.

Know the Warning Signs

• Performance: Unexplained drop in work quality or tardiness.
• Appearance: Decline in personal hygiene or unkempt uniform.
• Behavior: Personality shifts, mood outbursts, or high-risk actions.

Combat Stigma

• Engage with Empathy: When you notice a Marine is struggling, engage with the individual in a supportive and non-judgmental manner, avoiding negative labels.
• Challenge Stereotypes: Actively challenge and correct negative stereotypes or inappropriate comments made about individuals with alcohol-related problems. Understand there are many reasons why a Marine might be struggling with alcohol.
• Promote Self-Referral: Make it known that voluntarily help-seeking is a sign of strength and is designed to be career-safe.

Take Action

• Refer for Screening: Direct the Marine to a Substance Assessment and Counseling Center for professional assessment at the first sign of a problem. The longer you wait, the bigger the problem tends to become.
• Follow Up: Continue to support and check in on the Marine.

Policies & Tools

Related Articles

• Binge Drinking: What You Need to Know and How to Prevent It
• Five Practical Tips for Low-Risk Drinking
• Less Alcohol/More Fitness Gains
• Protect What You’ve Earned - Know the Signs of Alcohol Misuse
• Alcohol and the Body