for keeping up with the times. Things change and so
does the Navy. In 1974 the Navy started its campaign in
the war against alcohol abuse with the Navy Alcohol
Safety Action Program (NASAP). In 1980 the Navy
Drug Safety Action Program (NDSAP) began to
combat use of illegal drugs. Several years later the two
programs combined to form the Navy Substance
Abuse Prevention Program (NASAPP). The program
name changed in 1985 to the present title of Navy
Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (NADSAP).
The purpose of NADSAP is the prevention of alcohol
misuse and illegal drug use through the process of
individual education.
NADSAP provides for the early identification of
problem drinkers and alcoholics. NADSAP identifies
problem drinkers not only through arrests for traffic
violations and driving while intoxicated (DWI) but also
through other alcohol-related offenses or incidents.
Some of these incidents are job accidents, safety
violations, fights, unauthorized absences and other
breaches of discipline, family difficulties, or hospital
treatment. NADSAPs objective is to promote zero
tolerance of alcohol abuse. NADSAP also provides
educational programs designed to increase awareness of
drug abuse and to educate and positively motivate
people with drug abuse problems. The policy for drug
abuse is the same as that for alcohol abusezero
tolerance. Any drug abuse or irresponsible use of
alcohol by Navy personnel is viewed as a grievous
failure to meet Navy standards and may result in
disciplinary action or separation from military service.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAM
ADVISORS.The DAPAs are responsible for
advising commanding officers on all NADSAP
matters. These advisors are responsible for setting up
command education, prevention, screening, and
counseling programs. DAPAs also provide aftercare,
probationary supervision, motivational training, and
referral services for individuals who have been treated
for alcohol abuse and have returned to full duty. All
commands have DAPAs assigned as a full-time or a
collateral duty. They are your primary points of contact
for drug and alcohol abuse problems.
RIGHT SPIRIT.The Right Spirit campaign
was started in 1996 to improve the quality of life for
Navy members and their families and to ensure a safe
and productive work environment. Although the use of
alcohol is depicted as fashionable in society, alcohol
contributes to many of the countrys serious health and
social problems. The goal of Right Spirit is to
deglamorize alcohol and prevent alcohol abuse. Navy
commands are required to promote an its okay not to
drink environment. Preventing alcohol abuse and
alcoholism before problems occur greatly benefits the
Navy in terms of lost workdays and costly treatment.
The campaign includes the following two education
programs.
Alcohol
Aware. This
program
is
a
command-level alcohol abuse prevention and
deglamorization course designed for all hands. The
goals of the Alcohol Aware program are to make the
participants aware of (1) the basic nature of the drug,
alcohol; (2) the risks involved in using and abusing
alcohol; (3) the Navys expectations, instructions, and
core values; and (4) the definition of responsible use of
alcohol. Each participant is asked to evaluate,
anonymously, his or her own pattern of drinking to
determine if it is appropriate and to make adjustments
as needed.
Alcohol Impact.This program is designed for
intervention. It is normally given during off-duty
hours. Alcohol Impact is not treatment; it is the first
intervention step in the treatment of alcohol abuse. It is
an intensive, interactive educational experience
designed for alcohol incident personnel. The course is
primarily an educational tool, but objectives within the
course could reveal that a higher level of treatment
might be needed.
ALCOHOL TREATMENT FACILITIES.
ATFs provide help to fleet and shore commands by
counseling personnel involved with drugs and alcohol.
Individuals not requiring inpatient treatment may
receive help in these nonresident-counseling
programs. Many ATFs have a drug and alcohol abuse
counselor who provides limited outpatient evaluation
and counseling services. ATFs serve as local drop-in
and crisis centers. They also provide continuing
counseling services for personnel who previously were
patients in other rehabilitation facilities and have
returned to full duty.
NAVY
DRUG
AND
ALCOHOL
COUNSELORS.The NDACs provide evaluation
and referral services at ATFs. These counselors are
responsible for helping commanding officers process
individuals identified as drug or alcohol abusers. They
also provide individual and group counseling to drug
and alcohol abusers. The NDAC is a contact point for
commanding officers and individuals seeking help or
information on all matters regarding drug and alcohol
abuse.
ALCOHOL REHABILITATION CENTERS.
The Navys ARCs provide a program of intense and
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