Name Change of Substance Abuse Program to Substance Assessment and Counseling Program
The Marine Corps is renaming the Substance Abuse Program (SAP) to the Substance Assessment and Counseling Program (SACP) to eliminate stigmatizing language related to mental and behavioral health services. This change applies to the entire Marine Corps Total Force and includes renaming associated facilities and personnel positions, effective immediately upon release.
Issued: June 28, 2024
1. The Substance Abuse Program (SAP) is renamed the Substance Assessment and Counseling Program (SACP). Per reference (a), this name change reflects guidance to eliminate stigmatizing language describing mental and behavioral health services that create barriers to help seeking. 2. Effective upon release, the following changes will subsequently be made to reference (b), program materials and forms, and training curriculums: the Substance Abuse Counseling Center (SACC) will be referred to as the Substance Assessment and Counseling Center (SACC), and the Substance Abuse Control Officer (SACO) will be referred to as the Substance Assessment Coordination Officer (SACO). The SACO change will also be made in reference (c). 3. This MARADMIN applies to the Marine Corps Total Force. 4. Release authorized by Lieutenant General James F. Glynn, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.