APRIL 2, 2025 — April marks Alcohol Awareness Month, and the Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) is leading efforts to educate Soldiers about responsible alcohol consumption and available resources.
“April is Alcohol Awareness Month. It’s an opportunity for us to talk about and understand the uses and misuses of alcohol with our department and others that work with us,” said Andre Washington, Army Substance Abuse Program representative. “We have the resources and information you need to make better and smarter choices about alcohol use.”
Washington, who has never consumed alcohol himself, shared a personal tragedy that shaped his perspective. While stationed at what was then Fort Polk (now Fort Johnson) as a PFC, his close friend Harry was killed in a head-on collision with a drunk driver who had a blood alcohol level of 0.31.
“That personally impacted me as a friend of Harry and his family. It also impacted our unit readiness. We all grieved the way that you do when you care about somebody that you love,” Washington said.
The incident prompted Washington’s unit to establish a fundraiser for the family and implement additional alcohol awareness initiatives.
Despite strict Army policies regarding alcohol consumption, violations still occur. As a former First Sergeant, Washington stands by the effectiveness of current enforcement mechanisms, including weekly safety briefs with commanders and the battle buddy system that emphasizes accountability.
“We’re never telling people that they can’t drink or consume alcohol, we’re saying drink in moderation and make good sound solid choices,” Washington explained.
For Soldiers who believe alcohol-related punishments are inconsistent, Washington emphasized the importance of understanding that consequences vary based on rank and circumstance.
“One of the things that we need to do a better job at is ensuring that Soldiers understand at different levels, there’s different information that can be put out,” he said.
Washington highlighted self-referral through the limited use policy as a proactive approach for Soldiers concerned about potential alcohol issues. This option allows service members to seek help before incidents occur.
ASAP provides resources including Prime for Life training and counseling services for Soldiers struggling with alcohol use. For more information about alcohol awareness resources, contact your unit ASAP representative.
Story by Robert Haynes
U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii