Marines take special pride in their fitness, but substance use can have a serious negative impact on fitness and readiness. These resources will help Marines stay clear of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.
Marine Corps substance abuse program [PDF]
MCO 5300.17A (2018) is the current policy on the misuse of alcohol and drugs by Marines. This document outlines a program to prevent misuse of these substances, identifies the services available for Marines in need of help, and identifies the need for command, supervisor, and family involvement. Also included is guidance for drug testing and alcohol screening procedures, both mandatory and voluntary.
Alcohol control in the Marine Corps [PDF]
MCO 1700.22G (2015) establishes the policy for the sale, purchase, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages by Marines and on Marine Corps installations. It also establishes the minimum drinking age as 21 on any installation, regardless of location (special circumstances excepted).
MCCS substance abuse support
Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) provides services and education to support the Marine Corps Substance Abuse Program. Learn about the resources available at your installation by using the Change Location button on this web page.
Tobacco-free living
Get help to quit tobacco from this Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center web page, which provides advice for Marines, providers, and leaders. Resources include brochures, fact sheets, guides, articles, media, graphics, and presentations.
Excessive alcohol use
The Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center provides resources to help curb excessive alcohol use (heavy, binge, and underage drinking, and drinking while pregnant) and risky drinking (more than 4 drinks a day or 14 per week for men, and more than 3 per day or 7 per week for women). Links provide access to fact sheets, policy documents, tools, strategies, and education.
Drug abuse
Information on drug abuse from the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center includes information on synthetic drugs such as spice, drugs such as marijuana, and misuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as links to policy documents and educational resources.
Problematic substance use by DoD personnel [PDF]
DoD Instruction 1010.04 (2014) is the current policy that covers “substance use disorders,” including education, treatment, screening, retention, and separation of Military Service Members. Substances of concern are primarily alcohol and drugs. All service branch programs must fit within the guidelines set in this document.
Drug Demand Reduction Program
DoD’s Drug Demand Reduction Program (DDRP) is mandated with the mission to deter DoD personnel from abusing illicit drugs or misuse prescription drugs. Resources include DoD directives and instructions related to drug deterrence, information about military and civilian drug testing, and reports on drug use by DoD personnel, as well as links to branch-specific and other government and non-profit programs.
That Guy
This multimedia DoD campaign addresses alcohol abuse through an interactive website with the mission to educate Military Service Members not to be “that guy.” The campaign goal is to encourage responsible drinking and reduce excessive drinking, especially among young enlisted men and women.