Army Substance Abuse Program

The below information has been taken from AR 600-85

Army Center Substance Abuse Program Army Center Substance Abuse Program mission and objectives The Army Center for Substance Abuse Programs (ACSAP) mission is to strengthen the overall fitness and effectiveness of the Army’s workforce, to conserve manpower, and to enhance the combat readiness of Soldiers. The following are the objectives of the ACSAP:

•Increase individual fitness and overall unit readiness.

•Provide services which are proactive and responsive to the needs of the Army’s workforce and emphasize alcohol and other drug abuse deterrence, prevention, education, and rehabilitation.

•Implement alcohol and other drug risk reduction and prevention strategies that respond to potential problems before they jeopardize readiness, productivity, and careers.

•Restore to duty those substance-impaired Soldiers who have the potential for continued military Service.

•Provide effective alcohol and other drug abuse prevention and education at all levels of command, and encourage commanders to provide alcohol and drug-free leisure activities.

•Ensure all personnel assigned to ASAP staff are appropriately trained and experienced to accomplish their missions.

•Achieve maximum productivity and reduce absenteeism and attrition among civilian corps members by reducing the effects of the abuse of alcohol and other drugs.

•Improve readiness by extending services to the Soldiers, civilian corps members, and Family members.

Army Substance Abuse Program concept and principles

The ASAP is a command program that emphasizes readiness and personal responsibility. The ultimate decision regarding separation or retention of abusers is the responsibility of the Soldier’s chain of command. The command role in substance abuse prevention, drug and alcohol testing, early ID of problems, rehabilitation, and administrative or judicial actions is essential. Commanders will ensure that all officials and supervisors support the ASAP. Proposals to provide ASAP services that deviate from procedures prescribed by this regulation must be approved by the Director, ASAP. Deviations in clinical issues also require approval of the Commander, U.S. Army Medical Command (USAMEDCOM). In either case, approval must be obtained before establishing alternative plans for services (as required for isolated or remote areas or special organizational structures). The two overarching tenets of the ASAP are Prevention and Treatment.

External links

AR 600-85 [1]

The Army Substance Abuse Program Website [2]

ALARACT 062/2011 [3]