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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Ilyssa Hollander, MPH and Nicole Bell, ScD. SSDS, Inc, 1411 Washington St., Suite 6, Boston, MA 02118, 508.233.4222, ihollander@ssds.net

The U.S. Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) provides evaluation and treatment services for drug and alcohol abusers within the Armed Forces. ASAP is designed to identify and treat soldiers who have a potential for recovery, and therefore the ability to further contribute to the military. From 1988 to 2003 188,139 Army soldiers were referred to ASAP for an evaluation. There are several referral mechanisms. Most were referred by a Commander (30%), by an investigation (23%), and through self referrals (19%). Once referred for an evaluation, soldiers may be enrolled in the Army's alcohol treatment program. Of those initially referred for evaluation, 57% (N=107,752) were enrolled. Sixty-seven% of non-enrolled soldiers attended a mandatory 12 hours training program (ADAPT), and 19% were found to have no alcohol problem. The objectives of this ongoing study include linking data from the ASAP to the Total Army Injury and Health Outcomes Database (TAIHOD) which include health and personnel records. This data linkage will allow us to explore and describe the demographics characteristics of soldiers referred to ASAP by referral mechanism as well as those enrolled and treated within ASAP. Ultimately this work will allow us to identify demographic subgroups at particular risk for program failure or relapse. Results will also help identify where the ASAP program can improve screening and treatment of soldier in order to improve these services so that soldiers can achieve optimal health and functioning levels both during and after military service.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the demographic characteristics of soldiers referred to the Army Substance Abuse Program as well as those ultimately enrolled in the program.
• Describe the mechanisms for referral to the Army Substance Abuse Program and variations in enrollment patterns based on referral mechanism as well as demographic patterns.
• Identify demographic and occupational subgroups of the Army who may require more effective preventative and therapeutic measures.

Keywords: Alcohol Problems, Treatment Patterns

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered