If you need immediate help, please call 911 or the Military Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 and press 1
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.
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.
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] The federal government uses information from this form to conduct background checks and evaluate individuals who are:
Military life can be rough on your mind and body. Deployments, training, separation from family and injuries are just a few common stressors. These can lead to physical and psychological health concerns that service members may struggle to cope with.
Some service members turn to substance misuse in an effort to feel better. Substance misuse could include:
