Navigating Military Substance Abuse Programs: Army ASAP and Navy SARP

Last updated 4 months ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

The U.S. military branches provide comprehensive resources to address substance misuse among service members. This guide covers the Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) and the Navy Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation Program (SARP), explaining their core functions, eligibility requirements, services, and potential impacts on military careers.

Understanding the Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP)

The Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) is the Army’s approach to substance misuse, focusing on readiness, prevention, and rehabilitation.

ASAP’s Core Mission and Objectives

Mission Statement: ASAP strengthens the overall fitness and effectiveness of the Army’s workforce and enhances the combat readiness of Soldiers.

Key Objectives:

• Improve individual Soldier fitness and unit readiness
• Provide comprehensive services for deterring, preventing, educating about, and treating alcohol and drug misuse
• Implement risk reduction strategies
• Restore Soldiers impaired by substance use to full duty when they demonstrate potential for continued service
• Deliver effective prevention and education programs
• Support alcohol and drug-free leisure activities
• Ensure ASAP staff have proper training and experience
• Maximize productivity and reduce absenteeism among civilian employees
• Enhance readiness by extending services to the total Army workforce

Governing Regulation: Army Regulation (AR) 600-85, “The Army Substance Abuse Program” (July 2020).

ASAP remains a command program emphasizing readiness and personal responsibility, with commanders retaining authority over discipline and separation decisions. The clinical treatment component, Substance Use Disorder Clinical Care (SUDCC), is integrated within the Army’s Behavioral Health System of Care (BHSOC) under The Surgeon General, while deterrence, testing, and prevention remain under command and installation management.

Who Can Use ASAP Services?

ASAP services are available to:

• Active Duty Soldiers
• Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers (eligibility varies based on duty status)
• Department of Defense/Army Civilians
• Family Members of military personnel and civilian employees
• Retired Military Personnel and their Family Members

When Soldiers are assigned under the administrative control of another military service branch, they typically comply with that branch’s substance abuse program, but results are reported back through Army channels.

Getting Help: How Soldiers Connect with ASAP

There are several pathways for ASAP referrals:

Voluntary (Self-Identification): Soldiers are encouraged to seek help voluntarily if they feel substance use is negatively impacting their performance, conduct, or health. They can speak with their commander, primary care provider, chaplain, or other leaders. Self-referrals receive protection under the Army’s Limited Use Policy.

Command/Supervisor Identification: Commanders may refer Soldiers based on observed negative impacts on job performance, conduct, relationships, or health. This identification leads to mandatory referral using DA Form 8003. Participation is mandatory, and failure to attend can result in disciplinary action. Command referrals trigger a Suspension of Favorable Personnel Action (FLAG).

Biochemical Identification: Identification through drug or alcohol testing results in mandatory referral. A verified positive urinalysis requires commander referral within five duty days.

Medical Identification: Healthcare providers may identify potential substance use issues during treatment or examinations.

Investigation/Apprehension: Identification can occur through military or civilian law enforcement actions.

The Army’s approach balances maintaining discipline while offering a less punitive route for early intervention through voluntary self-referral.

Preventing Substance Misuse: ASAP Education and Initiatives

Prevention and deterrence are cornerstones of the ASAP mission:

Mandatory Annual Training: Commanders must ensure all Soldiers receive at least four hours of training on alcohol and drug abuse prevention each year.

Prevention Programs:

• Army Drug and Alcohol Prevention Training (ADAPT)
• Prime for Life: Evidence-based program focusing on risks of high-risk substance choices

Unit Prevention Leaders (UPLs): Soldiers appointed to assist in executing unit prevention programs and administering drug testing.

Risk Reduction Program: Involves analyzing data to identify high-risk behaviors and trends within units.

Deglamorization of Alcohol: Army policy forbids activities that glamorize excessive alcohol consumption and encourages alcohol-free recreational activities.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Serves civilian workforce and eligible family members/retirees with confidential services.

Suicide Prevention: Often linked with ASAP functions, sharing resources and personnel for training.

How ASAP Helps: Screening, Assessment, and Treatment

When referred to ASAP, Soldiers engage with the Substance Use Disorder Clinical Care (SUDCC) system:

Clinical Integration: SUDCC operates as the treatment arm of ASAP within the Army’s Behavioral Health System of Care. Treatment is provided within a medical and behavioral health framework by clinicians with advanced degrees and specialized certifications.

Screening and Assessment: Upon referral, individuals undergo screening by qualified BH or SUDCC providers to determine appropriate diagnosis and care level.

Treatment Objectives: Primary goals include returning Soldiers to full duty status, identifying those whose conditions may not be treatable within the program, assisting separating Soldiers in connecting with civilian resources, and helping resolve family issues.

Treatment Modalities: Services are generally short-term and designed to be compatible with the military environment, including comprehensive assessments, referrals, group therapy, and individualized treatment plans.

Rehabilitation Team Meeting: For Soldiers in mandatory treatment, a team consisting of the Soldier, unit commander or representative, and treatment provider collaborates on developing and monitoring the treatment plan.

SUDCC operates within a medical model while maintaining military context, with command involvement in rehabilitation teams and a focus on returning Soldiers to duty.

Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Army

Biochemical testing, primarily through urinalysis, is a major component of ASAP strategy:

Frequency: Commanders must conduct random urinalysis testing of 10 percent of their unit’s strength each month. Soldiers not selected during the first three quarters must be tested in the fourth quarter.

Types of Testing (Basis Codes):

• Inspection: Random selections (IR), specific groups based on policy (IO), or entire unit (IU)
• Search or Seizure/Probable Cause (PO): When probable cause exists
• Competence for Duty (CO): Based on observed behavior or suspected impairment
• Rehabilitation (RO): For Soldiers in SUDCC treatment
• Mishap or Safety Inspection (AO): For personnel involved in accidents
• Voluntary (Member Consent) (VO): When a Soldier consents
• Medical Examination (MO): As part of valid medical examination
• New Entrant (NO): For individuals applying to join the Army
• Other (OO): Testing directed by Headquarters or specific purposes

Prohibited Substances: The program tests for substances prohibited under Article 112a of the UCMJ and AR 600-85, including common illicit drugs, controlled substance analogues, inhalants, banned dietary supplements, synthetic cannabinoids, and hemp/CBD products. Use of prescribed controlled medications becomes illegitimate six months after the most recent fill date.

This robust testing system aims to deter substance use through high likelihood of detection, with specific prohibitions demonstrating efforts to address contemporary substance use trends.

Privacy Matters: Confidentiality and the Limited Use Policy

Protection of privacy while ensuring appropriate information sharing is managed through specific policies:

Governing Laws and Regulations: Confidentiality is governed by federal laws including the Privacy Act, Public Health Service Act, HIPAA, and Army regulations.

General Confidentiality Rule: Information related to a Soldier’s substance use and treatment is confidential with disclosure restricted to those with an official “need to know.”

The Limited Use Policy (LUP): Designed to encourage Soldiers to voluntarily seek help before their use results in mandatory action. It prohibits using certain “protected evidence” against a Soldier in UCMJ actions or for unfavorable service characterization.

Protected Evidence under LUP:

• Results from command-directed tests inadmissible under Military Rules of Evidence
• Test results from safety mishap investigations
• Information obtained solely because a Soldier sought emergency care for overdose
• Statements made to chaplains regarding substance use problems
• Information provided during screening prior to official referral
• Drug/alcohol test results obtained after voluntary treatment submission but before lawful testing orders
• Test results from participation in treatment programs

Timing for LUP: Protection applies only if self-referral occurs before notification of impending urinalysis or other action.

Exceptions to Confidentiality: Disclosures permitted without consent include medical emergencies, authorized research/audits, investigating crimes against program staff/premises, and responding to court orders.

The Limited Use Policy creates a “safe lane” for voluntary help-seeking while balancing the need for command oversight related to safety and readiness.

ASAP and Your Army Career: Potential Impacts

While ASAP aims to support Soldiers, involvement can have significant career implications:

Mandatory Participation: For command-referred Soldiers, participation is mandatory. Failure to participate or respond successfully can lead to disciplinary action and administrative separation.

Suspension of Favorable Personnel Actions (FLAG): A command referral or confirmed positive urinalysis triggers a FLAG, suspending promotions, awards, schooling, favorable assignments, and reenlistment eligibility.

Reenlistment Restrictions: Soldiers enrolled in rehabilitation are generally barred from reenlistment but may receive extensions to complete treatment.

Administrative Separation Processing:

• Illicit Drug Use: A single confirmed positive test or substantiated incident mandates separation processing initiation
• Alcohol Misconduct/Rehab Failure: Separation processing is required for treatment failure or serious/repeated alcohol incidents

Security Clearances: Substance misuse can impact clearance eligibility, evaluated against Security Executive Agent Directive 4 (SEAD 4) guidelines for Drug Involvement, Alcohol Consumption, and Criminal Conduct.

Deployability: Enrollment in mandatory treatment may render a Soldier non-deployable, though waivers are possible.

While rehabilitation is a goal of ASAP, involvement carries substantial career risks, particularly for illicit drug use which mandates separation processing for any confirmed offense.

Official ASAP Resources

For more information or assistance:

• Army Resilience Directorate ASAP Homepage
• Army Regulation 600-85 (July 2020)
• DA Pamphlet 600-85, Federal Drug-Free Workplace Procedural Guidance
• Local Installation ASAP Offices
• Military Crisis Line / Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) or Text 838255

Understanding the Navy Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation Program (SARP)

The Navy Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation Program (SARP) is the Navy’s framework for addressing substance misuse, focusing on prevention, treatment, and maintaining fleet readiness.

SARP’s Core Mission and Objectives

Mission and Goals: SARP aims to prevent and control alcohol and drug misuse to enhance mission readiness, promote health and wellness, maintain performance standards and discipline, and improve quality of life for Sailors and families.

Key Objectives: SARP employs strategies emphasizing detection, deterrence, prevention, education, intervention, and treatment, while fostering a command climate intolerant of substance misuse.

Governing Instruction: OPNAV Instruction 5350.4E, “Navy Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Control” (March 2022).

The 2022 revision reflects efforts to modernize the Navy’s approach, separating policy from execution guidance, improving readability, and adopting DSM-5 aligned language to reduce stigma.

Who Can Use SARP Services?

SARP services are primarily for:

• Active Duty Navy Personnel
• Reserve Component Personnel
• Other Military Branches (when assigned to Navy commands or where SARP is the accessible option)

Access typically requires a referral from command (via the Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor – DAPA) or Primary Care Manager.

Getting Help: How Sailors Connect with SARP

Sailors can enter SARP through several channels:

Self-Referral (Primarily for Alcohol Misuse): The Navy encourages self-referral for alcohol issues. For protection, self-referrals must meet specific conditions: 1) No evidence of existing alcohol-related incidents, and 2) Referral must be made to designated personnel only.

Command Referral: Typically initiated following alcohol/drug incidents or observed performance issues. The command DAPA conducts initial screening using NAVPERS 5350/3 and coordinates formal SARP referral.

Medical Referral: Can originate from DoD medical personnel.

Incident Reporting: All incidents must be documented with a Drug and Alcohol Report submitted into the Alcohol and Drug Management Information Tracking System (ADMITS).

The Navy provides a specifically defined pathway for alcohol self-referral, reflecting its differing policy stances on alcohol (“responsible use”) versus drugs (“zero tolerance”).

Preventing Substance Misuse: SARP Education and Initiatives

Prevention and education are integral to the Navy’s strategy:

Educational Programs:

• Prime for Life: Evidence-based program for education and early intervention
• Alcohol Aware: Basic awareness training for junior personnel
• PREVENT 2000 / Skills for Life: Broader prevention programs
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse Managers/Supervisors (ADAMS) for Leaders: Mandatory annual training for command leadership

Command Structure and Roles:

• DAPA (Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor): Command-level personnel advising the CO, conducting screenings, making referrals, and managing the command’s program
• UPC (Urinalysis Program Coordinator): Manages the command’s testing program
• ADCO (Alcohol and Drug Control Officer): Oversees the program within their area of responsibility
• Commanding Officer (CO): Ultimately responsible for the command’s program

Responsible Use Policy: Promotes responsible alcohol consumption for those of legal age, supporting Sailors who choose not to drink and ensuring non-alcoholic beverages are available at functions.

How SARP Helps: Screening, Assessment, and Treatment Levels

SARP provides a continuum of care delivered by licensed professionals:

Screening and Assessment: Licensed SARP clinicians conduct thorough assessments to diagnose any substance use disorder and determine appropriate care level.

Levels of Care:

• Level 0.5 (e.g., Prime for Life): Early intervention for high-risk patterns without SUD diagnosis
• Level 1 (Outpatient Treatment): Less intensive program for mild SUD, typically two weeks
• Level 2 (Intensive Outpatient/Partial Hospitalization): More structured program for moderate SUD, typically four weeks
• Level 3 (Residential/Inpatient Treatment): Highest level of care in a 24/7 supervised environment, around 35 days
• Continuing Care (Aftercare): Post-treatment support for up to a year

Treatment focuses on evidence-based practices, counseling, and developing skills for recovery and reintegration. SARP facilities are tobacco-free, with nicotine replacement provided.

Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Navy

Urinalysis testing is a critical deterrence and detection tool:

Frequency and Selection: Random testing is emphasized, with the Navy Drug Screening Program software aiding in unpredictable selection.

Types of Testing: Testing occurs for random selection, probable cause, command-directed concerns, post-mishap investigations, and medical evaluations.

Prohibited Substances: The Navy maintains “Zero Tolerance” for illegal drug use, including wrongful use, possession, distribution, or promotion of illegal drugs or paraphernalia. Like the Army, the Navy prohibits hemp/CBD products and products intended to defeat drug tests.

Medical Review Process (MRP): Provides expertise to determine if positive tests constitute wrongful misuse, particularly for prescription medications or potential innocent ingestion claims.

Alcohol Detection Devices (ADD): Policy incorporates handheld testing devices.

The testing program supports distinct policies on drugs (zero-tolerance) and alcohol (responsible use), with the MRP adding medical scrutiny to determinations of wrongful drug use.

Privacy Matters: Confidentiality in SARP

Confidentiality is governed by regulations, federal law, and Navy policies:

General Protections: Standard healthcare privacy regulations apply to SARP records.

Self-Referral Protection: Valid alcohol self-referrals provide specific protection from disciplinary action based on disclosed information.

Limits to Confidentiality: Exceptions include mandatory reporting situations and command “need-to-know” for safety and readiness determinations.

Information Sharing for Adjudication: Evaluating claims of innocent ingestion involves command assessment and potential higher review.

The specific protections focus primarily on alcohol self-referral, reflecting the Navy’s different approaches to alcohol versus drug issues.

SARP and Your Navy Career: Potential Impacts

SARP involvement can significantly affect a Sailor’s career:

Drug Misuse Consequences: Under “Zero Tolerance,” any substantiated drug incident mandates administrative separation processing. While those diagnosed as drug dependent may be offered treatment, retention after confirmed offenses is generally not expected.

Alcohol Misuse Consequences: The approach allows for rehabilitation with the goal of returning Sailors to duty. Separation processing occurs for serious misconduct, repeat offenses, or treatment failure (defined as a subsequent alcohol incident after Level 2 or higher treatment).

Security Clearances: As with ASAP, underlying conduct is evaluated under SEAD 4 guidelines. Illegal drug use, even if state-legalized, remains problematic for clearances.

Promotions and Assignments: Substance-related incidents can negatively impact evaluations, fitness reports, and career opportunities.

NICS Reporting: Navy policy includes reporting unlawful drug users to NCIS for FBI background check database inclusion.

The Navy’s policies create stark differences in outcomes based on substance type: alcohol misuse has a rehabilitation pathway, while drug use typically leads directly to separation processing.

Official SARP Resources

For more information or assistance:

• OPNAV Instruction 5350.4E
• MyNavyHR Drug and Alcohol Deterrence Homepage
• MyNavyHR Policies and OPGuides Page
• Local SARP Clinics (contact your Military Treatment Facility)
• Military Crisis Line / Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) or Text 838255

Key Differences: Army ASAP vs. Navy SARP

While both programs address substance misuse and maintain readiness, their policies and structures differ:

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.