Background of the Program
The Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP) was a highly regarded addiction treatment facility located in Portsmouth, Virginia. Operating within the Naval Medical Center, it was specifically designed to help active-duty service members from all branches overcome substance abuse challenges while balancing the demands of their military duties. Unfortunately, as of November 19, 2024, the Navy has closed this crucial program due to persistent staffing shortages and aging infrastructure.
SARP provided multiple levels of care tailored to the severity of a service member’s addiction. For those at the beginning stages, Level 0.5, known as “Prime for Life,” offered a short educational course focused on prevention. Level 1 provided a brief outpatient program for individuals with mild alcohol addiction. For more intensive cases, Levels 2.1 and 2.5 delivered comprehensive outpatient care. The program also included Level 3, a five-week residential treatment plan aimed at addressing moderate to severe addictions.
In addition to its structured treatment levels, SARP offered a range of services to support recovery. These included individual and group therapy sessions, 12-step meetings, aftercare support, and 24-hour clinical care. The program was uniquely tailored to meet the needs of active-duty military personnel, ensuring that treatment could align with their service obligations.
Despite its closure, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth continues to provide other mental health services. These include outpatient adult and child behavioral health care as well as inpatient mental health treatment. However, the loss of SARP leaves a significant gap in comprehensive addiction treatment for service members, raising concerns about how the Navy will address substance abuse issues moving forward.
Challenges Leading to Closure
Over recent years, the program has faced escalating challenges, primarily due to staffing shortages. The aging infrastructure of the facility further compounded these issues, making it increasingly difficult to retain qualified personnel and maintain the quality of care. Despite efforts to recruit and retain staff, the program struggled to operate at full capacity, leading to its eventual closure.
Two years ago, the Navy had to transfer residents out of the space due to serious maintenance problems and a rodent infestation.
Implications for Navy Personnel
The shutdown of this key program has significant implications for service members dealing with substance abuse, as it was considered the top program of its kind on the East Coast. Without access to specialized in-house treatment, affected personnel will need to seek assistance from external providers or other military facilities, potentially leading to delays in receiving care. This gap in services could adversely affect the readiness and well-being of active duty troops, as timely intervention is crucial in addressing substance abuse issues.
