Who primarily diagnoses substance abuse issues?

The primary responsibility for diagnosing substance abuse issues falls to ADAPT personnel. This specialized team is trained to conduct assessments and implement interventions for service members and their families facing substance abuse challenges. ADAPT, which stands for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment, is designed to provide comprehensive support, including diagnosis, treatment planning, and referral to appropriate resources.

While commanders may be involved in facilitating access to such resources and medical officers can certainly play a role in the overall health of individuals, including substance-related concerns, it is ADAPT personnel's focused training and expertise in this area that makes them the primary figures for diagnosing substance abuse issues. Peer support specialists offer valuable support and guidance but typically do not have the authority or training to formally diagnose substance use disorders. Therefore, ADAPT personnel are recognized as the leading professionals for this critical task.