Background: Drug usage is still widespread in the world and has increased by 23% in the last ten years. The trend of drug use has shifted from illicit drug abuse to prescription drug misuse, which is still a growing trend worldwide. In contrast to the increasing amount of research on the use and abuse of opioids in the general population, there is comparatively little information available regarding prescription drug or illicit drug use and misuse among active duty service members. These individuals not only have more physically demanding jobs than the general population, but they also experience mental health issues more frequently which is a major factor in turning to using or abusing drugs.

Aim: This thesis seeks to improve understanding of the types, prevalence, and risk factors of substance abuse and misuse among enlistees in the active duty military.

Method: This data consists of eight different studies on the field, including surveys, reports and meta-analysis. The papers were analyzed using a scoping review.

Results: The findings were somewhat inconsistent in demographic variables. Results were consistent in many risk factors for substance abuse in the military, for example, different mental health issues (ADHD, PTSD), combat exposure and pain management were most frequently linked to the illicit drug abuse and prescription drugs misuse in military active duty context.

Conclusion: The selected studies for this paper were supporting each other in findings. There is a strong correlation between pain, combat exposure and mental health issues, and the use or misuse of illegal and prescribed drugs.