AR 600-85 — The Army Substance Abuse Program
AR 600-85 governs Army alcohol and drug abuse prevention and control policies, procedures, and responsibilities.
- Publication number: AR 600-85
- Title: THE ARMY SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM
- Date: 10/04/2024
- Proponent: G-1
- Status: ACTIVE
View AR 600-85 on armypubs.army.mil
Related publications
AR 600-85 covers deterrence, drug testing, prevention and training, identification, referrals, treatment, risk reduction, and program assessment. It requires random urinalysis testing, referrals for substance use disorder evaluations, and participation in mandatory treatment.
Applies to: This regulation prescribes comprehensive alcohol and drug abuse prevention and control policies, procedures, and responsibilities for Soldiers of all components, Department of the Army (DA) Civilians, and other personnel eligible for Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) services.
Topics covered
- Alcohol and drug abuse prevention
- Military personnel deterrence drug testing
- Substance use disorder identification and referral
- Substance use disorder treatment
- Risk reduction
- Urinalysis collection and shipping
- Army Substance Abuse Program resource management
Questions and answers
How often must commanders conduct random urinalysis testing?
Commanders at every level will ensure random UA testing at the rate of 10 percent assigned end strength each month. (paragraph 4-2)
What are the objectives of the Army drug testing program?
The objectives of the Armys DTP are to (1) Deter Soldiers from abusing drugs (including illegal drugs, other illicit substances, and prescription medication). (2) Facilitate early detection of drug abuse. (3) Enable commanders the opportunity to assess the security, readiness, good order and discipline of their units, and to use information obtained to take appropriate disciplinary or administrative actions, including referral to BH clinic for a SUD evaluation and possible treatment. (4) Drug test those enrolled in alcohol and/or other drug abuse treatment, as indicated.(5) Collect data on the prevalence of problematic substance use within the Army. (paragraph 4-1)
When must a Soldier be referred for a substance use disorder evaluation after an alcohol-related discipline event?
Soldiers with alcohol-related discipline events (for example, DUI, assault, UCMJ) or those identified by the commander as abusing alcohol will be referred to BH for a SUD evaluation. (paragraph 7-1)
Who must be referred for a substance use disorder evaluation for unauthorized substance use?
All Soldiers, to include ARNG and USAR Soldiers ordered to AD under Title 10, who are identified as having unauthorized use of substances or suspected substance abuse, will be referred to the BH clinic for a SUD evaluation. (paragraph 7-1)
What can happen when Soldiers do not attend mandatory counseling sessions?
Failure to attend mandatory counseling sessions may constitute a violation of Article 86 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ, Art. 86). (paragraph 1-7)