Alcohol Awareness Month is a timely reminder for Soldiers to check in with themselves, look out for their battle buddies and reach out early if something doesn’t feel right. The Army Substance Abuse Program is designed to make that step easier, more confidential and less intimidating.
Amber Sayer, a management analyst and subject matter expert with the Army Substance Abuse Program and Suicide Prevention and Response program, explained how ASAP keeps Soldiers safe, ready and supported.
“The goal is that with these systems, policies and a positive command climate, we can encourage help-seeking behavior before the misuse becomes a larger problem,” Sayer said. She also pointed out that alcohol misuse doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it is often tied to other stressors like domestic violence, sexual harm or losing someone to suicide. These challenges are connected in ways Soldiers might not always see, which is why having multiple avenues for support is critical.
Soldiers can self-refer to ASAP, meaning they ask for support on their own, or their chain of command can make a command referral for a Soldier if they notice concerning behaviors. Both routes connect the Soldier with assessments, counseling and other support services.
“Through a self-referral, there are protections in place under the Limited Use Policy,” Sayer explained. “The goal is to reduce fear of disciplinary actions and encourage early intervention.”
Beyond the command structure, Soldiers can also access resources through Military OneSource, the Employee Assistance Program, chaplains, primary care providers or community organizations.
When a Soldier enters treatment, commanders continue to play a key role through rehabilitation team meetings. These meetings bring together leadership, medical providers and treatment teams to discuss a Soldier’s progress while maintaining confidentiality.
“These meetings allow shared communication to support the Soldier,” Sayer said, noting that they help Soldiers stay connected to their unit during the process.
Despite these structured supports, stigma remains a major barrier to seeking help for substance misuse. Soldiers often worry about losing a security clearance or losing promotion and deployment eligibility.
Others may feel asking for help is a sign of weakness or fail to recognize habits tied to stress, culture or social norms. Heavy drinking can often feel like a form of bonding, leading Soldiers to think they have to handle problems on their own.
“We hear a lot of different interpretations of experiences from other Soldiers,” Sayer remarked. “‘But what might that experience look like for me as a Soldier?’ That unknown can stop someone from taking the step.”
She emphasized that much of the fear comes from not understanding the processes or the protections in place. If Soldiers aren’t educated on what self-referral means or what early intervention looks like, they may be afraid to ask for help.
These barriers can be even more complex for the Total Force, particularly for geographically dispersed National Guard and Reserve Soldiers who may face scheduling, transportation or insurance issues.
“What they don’t know is that there are no-cost resources available that can help,” Sayer said.
Alcohol Awareness Month gives units a chance to highlight these issues and reinforce positive behaviors year-round.
“It really gives us an opportunity to increase the visibility of the positive pieces of the program that are typically seen as negative,” Sayer noted.
She added that it also allows leaders to show support, increase morale and normalize help-seeking behavior, which encourages responsible decision-making day to day. At its core, ASAP helps Soldiers stay healthy, mission ready and connected.
Seeking help protects careers, strengthens units and supports Families. Soldiers, Families and Army Civilians can learn more by visiting Military OneSource, contacting a local ASAP office or exploring Employee Assistance Program resources.
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