An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

 

 

 

ADAPT helps get Osan Airmen back on track

  • Published
  • By by Senior Airman Kristin High
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Editor's Note: This is the fourth in a series of articles on helping agencies and services provided to ensure Airmen and their families remain resilient during their overseas tour.

Like all helping agencies, the base Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program, or ADAPT, is here to do just that—help.

According to Maj. Relinda Hatcher, 51st Medical Operation Squadron ADAPT Program manager, Osan AB has the highest amount of referrals to the ADAPT program in the Air Force.

“The ADAPT program focuses on issues that an individual may have with alcohol or drug abuse,” said Hatcher. “The program is not punishment for people, but more to help individuals develop and enhance appropriate coping skills while offering meaningful, healthy outlets for stress.”

Unfortunately, only a small percentage of individuals who need it will actually seek help on their own,” she added.

There are three entry points for ADAPT: self-referral, command directed and a medical referral.

Self-referral- An individual can walk-in or call the ADAPT clinic and request help or intervention.

Command directed- Involves alcohol related misconduct including violence, curfew violation, DUI, drunken disorderly, public intoxication or the individual’s command is concerned about the individual’s alcohol usage, not necessarily a specific incident but an observation over time.

Medical Referral- If an individual has a medical injury as a result of overconsumption and medical services are rendered. This may include if an individual blacks out and is treated by emergency services.

ADAPT is comprised of substance abuse prevention, education and treatment, which includes urinalysis testing.

For an individual to be accepted into the program there is an initial diagnostic assessment.

"Most individuals are referred to our program after an alcohol or illegal substance-related incident occurs," said Hatcher. “Although this may come off negatively to the individual, our program can produce tremendous results for those who enter with the intention of being helped.

The biggest hurdle for most people is getting past the stigma and false belief that getting help will ruin their career.

“We are not part of the punitive process at all,” Hatcher continued. “Our job is to create a positive outlook and experience by providing counseling and proper guidance to assist each individual’s needs.”

ADAPT offers an educational route or a treatment route after the initial assessment.

If an individual does not require treatment, they will go through Alcohol Brief Counseling, which involves three subsequent sessions where the individual is educated on the effects of alcohol, and they also discuss their personal values and create a change plan.

“Approximately 80 percent of the individuals who come here will go through the ABC route,” said Hatcher.

If someone requires treatment, the base offers level-one treatment. If a higher level is required, the base can make the appropriate referral off base as needed. Level-one treatment involves outpatient groups and one-on-one treatment with a provider.

The base chapel offers Alcohol Anonymous programs throughout the week at 7 p.m. For dates and additional questions,  call DSN 784-5000, commercial 0505-784-5000.

“We want each individual to take a hard look at the program and a harder look at their personal behavior; really take the program seriously,” said Hatcher. “It’s difficult to come forward and say, ‘I need help’. The individual’s health is the number one concern.”

 “Without taking care of ourselves, we can’t support the mission,” She continued.

For more information on ADAPT or services rendered, contact their office at DSN: 784-2149 or COMM: 0505-784-2149.

USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)