Army Substance Abuse Program


The Army Substance Abuse Program is an anti-substance abuse program in the United States Army, operated by the Army Center for Substance Abuse Programs.
The program is governed by AR 600-85, MEDCOM Reg 40-51, ALARACT 062/2011, DA Pam 600-85, and the Employee Assistance Program. Army policy states that the program is to be supported by a soldier's entire chain of command, including the commander.

Mission and objectives

The mission of the Army Center for Substance Abuse Programs 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:
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. In either case, approval must be obtained before establishing alternative plans for services.
The two overarching tenets of the ASAP are Prevention and Treatment.

Eligibility criteria

The ASAP services are authorized for personnel who are eligible to receive military medical services or are eligible for medical services under the Federal Civilian Employees Occupational Health Services Program. In addition to soldiers, eligibility includes;
  1. United States citizen DOD civilian employees, to include both appropriated and non-appropriated fund employees.
  2. Foreign national employees where status of forces agreements or other treaty arrangements provide for medical services.
  3. Retired military personnel.
  4. Family members of eligible personnel when they are eligible for medical care under the provisions of AR 40–400,
  5. Members of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Coast Guard when they are under the administrative jurisdiction of an Army commander who is subject to this regulation.
  6. Non-uniformed outside continental United States personnel who are eligible to receive military medical services.
When soldiers are under the administrative jurisdiction of another Service, they will comply with the alcohol and other drug program of that Service. All drug test results and records of referrals for counseling and rehabilitation will be reported through Army alcohol and drug abuse channels to the ACSAP.
When elements of the Army and another Service are so located that cost effectiveness, efficiency, and combat readiness can be achieved by combining facilities, the Service to receive the support will be responsible for initiating a local Memorandum of Understanding and/or Interservice Support Agreement.
Members of the Army National Guard and United States Army Reserve who are not on AD are eligible to use ASAP services on a space/resource available basis.