Navy SARP Program Guidance

Where SARP Fits in the Navy’s Alcohol and Drug Misuse System

The Navy system includes command prevention and deterrence, Drug and Alcohol Program Advisors, screening and assessment, clinical treatment, and continuing care. SARP refers to the clinical rehabilitation function. MyNavyHR identifies OPNAV Instruction 5350.4E as the current governing instruction as of June 2026.

A DAPA helps a command navigate policy, referrals, documentation, and available resources. A DAPA does not independently make a medical diagnosis or promise confidentiality. SARP clinical personnel assess the individual and recommend education, outpatient treatment, a higher level of care, continuing care, or another disposition under the instruction.

Common Steps in a Navy Substance-Use Referral

1. Identification or referral: a service member may enter through self-referral, command referral, an incident, medical referral, or another authorized route.
2. Screening and assessment: clinical personnel review substance use, medical and mental-health needs, safety, function, and prior treatment.
3. Recommendation: the plan may involve education, outpatient services, intensive outpatient care, residential or inpatient referral, medication, or continuing care.
4. Command and clinical coordination: information is handled under Navy and health-privacy rules; duty-relevant communication can occur.
5. Continuing care: follow-up supports treatment goals and readiness after the initial level of care.

Self-Referral, Incident Referral, and Confidentiality

The route into care matters. Navy policy encourages early help-seeking, but it does not create unlimited confidentiality or erase independent evidence of misconduct. Timing and circumstances can affect whether self-referral protections apply. A service member should ask the DAPA or clinician what will be documented and when command notification is required.

For a pending investigation, positive test, impaired-driving case, or adverse action, treatment and legal questions should remain separate. SARP can address clinical needs; military defense counsel or another qualified attorney addresses legal rights and strategy.

When Treatment Occurs Outside a Navy SARP

Not every installation provides every level of substance-use care. A clinical team may refer a patient to another military facility or an authorized civilian program when the needed service is unavailable locally. Before a non-emergency civilian admission, verify the referral, pre-authorization, facility authorization, network status, and member-cost rules that apply to the beneficiary and service.

Getting the Right Type of Help

For official Navy guidance, begin with the command DAPA, installation medical department, or SARP. For an emergency, call 911. For crisis support, call or text 988 and press 1 for the Veterans/Military Crisis Line.