Leadership Responsibilities for Substance Use
Recognizing Signs
Signs May Exist
Signs and symptoms of substance use and misuse may exist.
If signs do exist, talk with the individual to determine if professional assistance is needed.
Documentation and Reporting
Document and discuss specific instances of:
- Unusual behavior
- Acknowledgement of a substance use problem
…with the supervisor, first sergeant, or unit commander to help expedite care as needed.
Diagnosis Authority
ADAPT Diagnoses
The responsibility to diagnose a substance use disorder lies with ADAPT personnel.
Identification Is Just the First Step
First Step Critical
Identifying individuals who may need treatment is a critical first step in helping them break free of the tremendously potent cycle of denial, negativity, and increased substance use.
Treatment Takes Time
However, entering treatment is only a first step. A member's substance use problem did not develop overnight, and treatment and recovery will likely take time.
The Treatment Team
Treatment Team Members
The treatment team consists of:
- The commander
- The supervisor
- The member's counselor
- Medical consultants
- Other appropriate helping agencies
- The member
…providing continued support throughout treatment.
Supervisor Focus During Treatment
Supervisor Focus
Supervisors remain focused on:
- The member's duty performance
- Attendance in the program
- Maintenance of standards
Required Involvement Points
Mandatory Involvement Points
Commander, first sergeant, and supervisor involvement in the treatment team — and meeting at key points in the patient's treatment and recovery — are important. The commander or first sergeant and the supervisor must be involved at:
- Program entry
- Termination
- Anytime there are significant treatment difficulties
Treatment Team Objective
Primary Objective
The primary objective of the treatment team is to guide the clinical course of the treatment after examining all the facts.
Mandatory Referral
Alcohol Misconduct Referral
All RegAF members involved in alcohol-related misconduct will be referred for a substance use assessment.