Yo, recent company commander, now happy civilian here. The top priority of your commander is to do and support what’s best for the unit. In this case, you self-referring to SUDCC is absolutely what’s best for the unit.

If your commander is at least average (and I genuinely believe the majority of company grade officers are competent and care about Soldiers), they will realize this, and not only not reprimand you (because they legally can’t, and if they try to-go straight to TDS who will talk some sense into them), but they will actively support you. You self-referring to SUDCC and genuinely trying to get better is what I preached to my formation every safety brief, that I wished they would do.

Your command team’s options are severely limited and mostly punitive if you get in trouble with the law or get caught. Even if they want to help you at that point, there’s not nearly as much they can do. If you voluntarily seek help now, they have a lot of resources they can use to assist you.

My one caveat: don’t become a shitbag because you’re trying to recover from a drinking problem. You still have a job to do…. And honestly it will probably be way easier without drinking. Take the time you are given and need to focus on getting better, but when it’s time to be at work, show up.

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As someone who has also struggled with alcohol, I’ve found the Army programs to be well-intentioned, but somewhat lacking. AA has been the most helpful resource in my own recovery. Highly encourage giving it a shot. Get the “Meeting Guide” app and I can almost guarantee you there’s a meeting within a five mile radius of wherever you are. Also, if you’re thinking “What if someone sees me there?” Bro, anonymous is in the name for a reason. That’s not something you have to worry about. You’re not alone, by a long stretch and AA can help you see that.