What Are Go Pills in the Military?

What Are Go Pills? 

Go pills refer to stimulants or drugs that promote wakefulness, increased energy, and focus. Go pills in the military are especially abused by pilots, although service members of other positions may also take them for fatigue management, especially during combat.  

In contrast to no-go pills – which are sedatives or depressants designed to promote sleep and rest – go pills for military pilots are taken to stay awake and alert. The abuse of stimulants dates to World War II, when amphetamine was used by both American and British militaries to not only fight off fatigue but also because of mood-altering effects like increased confidence and aggression.1 

The demands of combat constantly fluctuate, often involving nocturnal combat and long-duration missions. Subsequently, it’s unsurprising that military service members may abuse go pills or stimulants to keep up with the demands and pressure of their jobs.  

However, while these pills may be effective for a while, the body eventually becomes accustomed to them, requiring the individual to take higher doses to feel the same effects. This can ultimately lead to a substance use disorder.  

Signs of Stimulant and Depressant Abuse  

Stimulants like amphetamines work by blocking the reuptake of dopamine in the brain. As a result, the brain is flooded with dopamine, causing side effects like euphoria, increased energy, and elevated mood, focus, and concentration.  

Long-term use of stimulants, especially when taken without a prescription, can lead to tolerance and physical dependence. This means that the individual will increase their use to experience the same effects because the body becomes accustomed to the drug. Additionally, a person who’s physically dependent on stimulants will experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking them.  

In addition to these effects, other signs of stimulant abuse in the military include:  

• Aggressive or angry outbursts 
• Anxiety 
• Confusion 
• Deceptive behavior, lying or stealing 
• Decrease in appetite and weight loss 
• Delusions 
• Depression 
• Elevated blood pressure 
• Enhanced sensory awareness 
• Excessive energy or motivation 
• Flight of ideas 
• Going to multiple doctors to get multiple stimulant prescriptions (doctor shopping) 
• Hair loss 
• Hallucinations 
• Hyperfocus 
• Increased confidence 
• Mood swings 
• Ordering stimulants online without a prescription  
• Paranoia 
• Poor judgment and decision-making 
• Racing thoughts 
• Rapid heartbeat 
• Risky or impulsive behavior 
• Skin problems 
• Sweating 
• Twitches or jitteriness 
• Weight loss 

If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone else, don’t wait to get help. Our military and veterans addiction treatment centers offer medical detox, substance-specific drug treatment, and other services that can make sobriety possible.