Getting to Know the Airforce ADAPT Program

An Overview of ADAPT for the Air Force

The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) program is a total force program designed to support active duty service members who are struggling with alcohol or other substance use disorders. The program’s goal is to promote readiness, health, and wellness through the prevention and treatment of substance misuse and abuse.

ADAPT provides expert consultation to active duty service members and unit leaders to ensure those in need receive the right guidance and support. The program also provides education and treatment to individuals affected by substance misuse or abuse. By addressing these issues proactively ADAPT helps to maintain the overall health and well being of the Air Force.

Our resource guide from TriCareRehabs.com will highlight central features of this vital program and how to get help for yourself or a loved one serving.

A Guide to Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention in the Military

The Air Force Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) Program is a key resource to help service members address substance use issues while staying mission-ready. It’s important to remind patients to take safety measures for in-person visits, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure patient safety.

As part of the Air Force Medical Service, ADAPT provides education, prevention, and treatment for airmen struggling with alcohol or drug-related issues. Whether it’s due to stress, deployment or personal struggles ADAPT ensures those in need get the right support while balancing military responsibilities.

What is the purpose of the ADAPT Program?

The primary objective of the Air Force ADAPT Program is to promote health and readiness by preventing substance abuse and treating those who need it. It follows a structured process that focuses on early intervention, education, and rehabilitation. The program will:

• Educate service members on the risks of substance use
• Identify airmen with alcohol or drug-related issues
• Provide counseling and rehabilitation services
• Ensure mission capability is not impacted by substance abuse
• Support service members in a substance-free lifestyle

Who is eligible for the ADAPT Program?

ADAPT is available to all active duty Air Force personnel. In some cases, dependents, retirees and civilian employees working for the Air Force may also be eligible for resources and referrals through military medical facilities. Commanders, supervisors or even peers can refer airmen if they notice signs of substance abuse. Self-referral is also encouraged so airmen can get help voluntarily without immediate disciplinary action.

How the ADAPT Program Works

The ADAPT Program follows a structured process to assess, treat, and support airmen with substance-related issues. Here’s how the process works:

1. Referral and Screening

ADAPT referrals can come from multiple sources including self-referrals, command directed referrals, medical referrals or incident related referrals (e.g. DUI incidents). Once referred an airman will undergo an initial screening by a behavioral health specialist. This screening will determine if the airman meets the criteria for substance misuse or abuse.

2. Comprehensive Assessment

After the initial screening a comprehensive assessment will be conducted to evaluate the severity of the substance use issue. This will involve interviews, standardized screening tools and medical evaluations to determine the best course of action.

3. Treatment Planning

Based on the assessment the ADAPT team will develop a personalized treatment plan. This may include:

• Education on responsible alcohol use and drug awareness
• Counseling sessions (individual or group therapy)
• Outpatient treatment programs
• Inpatient rehabilitation for severe cases
• Aftercare and follow-up support

4. Rehabilitation and Monitoring

Airmen in treatment will receive ongoing counseling, support and education tailored to their individual needs. Regular check ins will ensure progress is being made and adjustments to the treatment plan are made as needed.

5. Completion and Aftercare

Once an airman completes the ADAPT program they may be eligible for aftercare services to ensure long-term success. Follow-ups and support groups may be available to help maintain sobriety and prevent relapse.

Abuse Prevention

Abuse prevention is a key component of the ADAPT program, focusing on educating service members about the risks of substance abuse and promoting healthy behaviors. The program offers a range of outreach and prevention services to raise awareness and prevent the onset of substance misuse. For those already affected ADAPT provides outpatient treatment tailored for active duty personnel and aftercare groups to support ongoing recovery.

In cases where a more intense intervention is needed, the program will facilitate referrals for medical detoxification and rehabilitation at local civilian hospitals. By addressing substance abuse through education and treatment ADAPT aims to mitigate the impact on individuals, families, and the broader military organization.

Mental Health Support

ADAPT is committed to providing mental health support to service members with substance use disorders. Licensed mental health professionals and certified substance abuse counselors will provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment services so each individual will get the care they need. ADAPT also provides consultation services to help service members and unit leaders manage mental health concerns.

By addressing these issues ADAPT will restore function and support service members to return to unrestricted duty or transition to civilian life as appropriate. This holistic approach ensures mental health and substance abuse issues are treated with the seriousness and respect they deserve and promotes overall well-being and readiness.

Overcoming the Stigma of Seeking Help

One of the biggest challenges with substance abuse in the military is the stigma of seeking help. Many airmen fear that admitting to a substance use issue will damage their careers or result in disciplinary action.

However, self-reporting to ADAPT is seen as a proactive and responsible step, not a career-ending decision. The program prioritizes treatment over punishment and wants to help airmen regain control of their lives while remaining valuable members of the Air Force.

Consequences of Substance Abuse in the Air Force

While the Air Force ADAPT Program is for airmen, it’s important to know that substance abuse can have severe consequences in the military. Depending on the severity of the issue and whether it impacts job performance or mission readiness consequences may include:

• Loss of security clearance
• Administrative action
• Disciplinary measures under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)
• Separation from the military

However those who seek help through ADAPT will generally be given the opportunity to get treatment and return to duty rather than the most severe penalties.

How to Get Help Through ADAPT Treatment Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse getting help through ADAPT is easy. Here’s how to get started:

1. Self-Referral – Go to the nearest mental health clinic or ADAPT office and request an appointment.
2. Command Referral – If a supervisor or commander notices signs of substance misuse they may refer the individual for an evaluation.
3. Medical Referral – If a medical provider suspects substance misuse during a routine health check they may recommend ADAPT services.
4. Incident Referral – Any alcohol or drug-related incident (e.g. DUI, public intoxication) may result in an automatic ADAPT referral.

Why ADAPT Matters

The Air Force ADAPT Program is key to ensuring the health, well-being and readiness of service members. By providing education, intervention and rehabilitation ADAPT helps airmen address substance abuse issues before they become career ending problems. Seeking help through ADAPT is not a sign of weakness but rather a commitment to personal responsibility and military readiness.

If you or someone you know needs help don’t wait—help is available. Tricare Rehabs can help connect you with treatment locations across the nation that offer specialized recovery services for military members. Speak with one of our representatives to get started on the road to recovery today. All calls are confidential, so please reach out to get proven support with us today.