If you need immediate help, please call 911 or the Military Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 and press 1

Alcohol & Substances

Military life is tough. Deployments, trainings, injuries and even stress at home can all take a toll on your mind and body. This causes some service members to turn to alcohol or other substances to “self-medicate.”

Using substances may feel like a temporary escape. But they can threaten your career, personal relationships and health. In fact, substance abuse can cause or worsen physical or psychological health concerns.

It is important to remember that substance abuse can be related to alcohol, prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, illegal drugs, or even tobacco. If you think you or someone you know needs help, talk to a health care provider right away. The following resources can help you learn more and connect with care.

Recommended Resources

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan Castelan

The Impact of Alcohol on Your Sleep Health

Did you stay up too late watching television again? Drink one too many alcoholic drinks during a night out with friends?  While these events might seem harmless, they can become an issue if they start to happen daily or regularly. Alcohol use not only comes with its own health risks, but also negatively affects your sleep quality and the amount you sleep. Excessive drinking and sleeplessness can also have long-term effects on your personal relationships, job performance, and physical and mental health.

U.S. Army photo by Maria Yager

Non-Drug Treatment Options for Managing Pain

If you’re dealing with physical pain, know you aren’t alone. Military life can be hard on your body. In fact, about half of service members who deployed as part of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have a pain diagnosis. Nearly 30 percent report chronic pain.

U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. William Phelps

Security Clearances and Psychological Health Care

Reaching out for care for your psychological health is an important, positive step in your military career. When seeking a role that requires a national security clearance, you will be instructed to fill out the Standard Form 86 (SF86), “Questionnaire for National Security Positions.” [PDF 6.9MB] The federal government uses information from this form to conduct background checks and evaluate individuals who are: