The perception that heavy drinking won’t kill a military career – but that seeking treatment will – has kept officers and non-commissioned officers alike from getting help. A pilot project offering volunteers anonymity and protection from adverse career consequences encouraged a greater percentage of career soldiers to seek counseling, according to the results at three Army bases.

Army Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program participants:

E1-E4: 77.2%

E5-E6: 17.9%

E7-E9: 2.8%

Officers: 2.1%

Confidential Alcohol Treatment and Education Pilot participants:

E1-E4: 61.7%

E5-E6: 24.9%

E7-E9: 9.3%

Officers: 4.1%

Source: The ASAP Pilot: Trial Policy Changes in Alcohol Treatment report, May 2010

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