The Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) focuses on readiness, prevention, and rehabilitation, with the mission of strengthening Army workforce fitness and enhancing combat readiness. GovFacts

Self-Referral & Command Involvement: Army policy for self-referral requires the ASAP counselor to contact the unit commander and coordinate a formal referral using DA Form 8003, which is signed by the unit commander and annotated as a self-referral. NCBI This means command is notified, but the self-referral designation can still protect a Soldier's career if done before any incident occurs.

Drug Testing: Commanders must conduct random urinalysis testing of 10% of their unit's strength each month, with Soldiers not selected in the first three quarters required to be tested in the fourth quarter. GovFacts

Career Protection: The Army's Limited Use Policy (LUP) is designed to encourage self-referral by prohibiting the government from using protected evidence against a Soldier in UCMJ actions or for an unfavorable characterization of service. Louisiana National Guard

The Navy SARP operates under OPNAV Instruction 5350.4E (updated March 2022), employing strategies that emphasize detection, deterrence, prevention, education, intervention, and treatment. GovFacts

Key Distinction — Drugs vs. Alcohol: Under "Zero Tolerance," any substantiated drug incident mandates administrative separation processing. For alcohol, the approach allows for rehabilitation with the goal of returning Sailors to duty; separation processing occurs for serious misconduct, repeat offenses, or treatment failure. GovFacts

Access: SARP encourages self-referral for anyone who would like to speak to a counselor, providing assessment, consultation, education, outpatient, intensive outpatient, and continuing care services for active-duty adults. VA.gov

Continuing Care: All SARP patients participate in continuing care following discharge through the Navy's My Ongoing Recovery Experience (MORE) program — a web-based and telephone program contracted through Hazelden. NCBI

The Air Force ADAPT program is designed to prevent, identify, and treat substance misuse among Air Force personnel, emphasizing education, early intervention, and structured recovery. Sober First Recovery

Self-Referral: Airmen can self-refer to ADAPT or behavioral health without facing immediate disciplinary action, especially if they have not tested positive. Sober First Recovery

Referral Sources: ADAPT referrals can come from self-referrals, command-directed referrals, medical referrals, or incident-related referrals such as a DUI. Once referred, an airman undergoes an initial screening by a behavioral health specialist. Tricarerehabs

Mandatory Participation: Participation in ADAPT is mandatory for any Air Force member suspected of or testing positive for drug or alcohol misuse, as well as for those who voluntarily seek help. Refusing to participate can lead to administrative actions, loss of security clearance, and potential separation. Orlando Recovery Center

Marines use a two-tier system. They access their own Substance Abuse Control Coordinator (SACC) programs at the unit level, and for higher levels of care:

Marines access care at Navy SARPs when they need a higher level of care than the SACCs offer or when a SACC is not available at their duty location. Marines treated at Navy SARPs may also enroll in the Navy MORE continuing care program. NCBI

TRICARE is the health insurance program covering active-duty members, retirees, National Guard/Reserve, and their families.

What TRICARE covers: TRICARE covers inpatient services (emergency and non-emergency), intensive outpatient programs, management of withdrawal symptoms (detoxification), medication-assisted treatment, mental health therapeutic services, office-based opioid treatment, opioid treatment programs, and partial hospitalization programs. TRICARE

What TRICARE does NOT cover: Aversion therapy and unproven treatments are excluded from TRICARE coverage. TRICARE

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): TRICARE more often than not covers the cost of Suboxone for opioid use disorder treatment, though members must first obtain pre-authorization. Without insurance, the generic form may cost up to $200 for a one-month supply. American Addiction Centers

Plans to know: TRICARE Prime provides inpatient rehab coverage contingent on meeting treatment criteria. TRICARE Reserve Select includes coverage for inpatient addiction treatment subject to deductibles and monthly premiums. TRICARE Select offers greater provider flexibility, though it may come with higher out-of-pocket costs. Tricarerehabs

⚠️ Important: Non-emergency inpatient treatment generally requires prior authorization from TRICARE before coverage is confirmed. Always verify before entering a program.

Who qualifies: All veterans can get mental health services at a VA medical center or Vet Center — discharge status does not affect access, and some services are available even without qualifying for full VA health benefits. USAGov

What VA covers: VA benefits cover detoxification, inpatient rehab, residential treatment, intensive outpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Veteranaddiction

MAT medications available through VA: Medications used in VA substance abuse programs include buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone for opioid use disorder, and acamprosate (Campral), disulfiram (Antabuse), and naltrexone for alcohol use disorder. Veteranaddiction

SUD as a Service-Connected Disability: Substance use disorders can be considered secondarily service-connected if they arose because of a service-connected condition — for example, excessive opioid use resulting from a back injury sustained during active service could support a secondary disability claim. American Addiction Centers

How to access VA care: Veterans can go directly to the nearest VA medical center regardless of discharge status, find a local SUD program via the VA locator, or call the general information hotline at 800-827-1000. The Veterans Crisis Line is also available 24/7 by calling 988 and selecting 1, texting 838255, or starting a confidential chat. VA

For veterans who may not live near a VA hospital, TRICARE expanded benefits provide greater flexibility to access treatment through closer civilian drug and alcohol programs that accept TRICARE. Recovery First

Civilian programs offer an additional layer of privacy from base environments and often specialize in dual-diagnosis care (addiction + PTSD, depression, or anxiety). Many are in-network with TRICARE or VA Community Care.

⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not replace advice from a licensed healthcare provider, addiction specialist, or military legal advisor. Treatment decisions — especially those involving military career implications — should always be made in consultation with qualified professionals familiar with your branch-specific policies.