ADAPT: Helping deal with problems correctly

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Being in the military can be stressful at times for a lot of service members. On top of handling things such as managing finances, working, and raising a family, they also have to deal with military specific things such as deploying.


While many Airmen deal with these stressors in a healthy way, some take to coping with stressors in unhealthy ways, like developing an alcohol or drug problem. When this happens, these members don’t have to deal with the issue alone. They have the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program.


ADAPT is a program that promotes health and wellness for both military members and civilians by providing help for those who abuse alcohol or drugs.


“ADAPT was formed mainly to combat substance abuse issues in the military and to help those who have stressors in their lives as well as how they cope with them, “ said Tech Sgt. David Dodson, 86th Medical Operations Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of ADAPT.


Sometimes it is difficult for someone having issues with alcohol or substance abuse to admit they have a problem. ADAPT can offer assistance to help, but only if an individual comes forward with their issue and is willing to cooperate. Working through the rehab and programs takes time and patience.


Through seminars, rehab and medical programs, ADAPT can help steer people in the right direction to enable themselves to become better and eventually minimize their drinking habits or stop using drugs.


“The objective of ADAPT is to help service members in their struggles with drug and/or alcohol abuse,” said Dodson.


If you are in another branch of the military and need the help of a program like ADAPT, don’t worry. There is a form of ADAPT in each branch, with each having different titles specific to that branch.


If you or someone you know is struggling with substance or alcohol abuse, please contact the 86th Medical Operations Squadron at 479-2390 or 06371-405-2390.