Your Sobriety Journey: Finding Motivation After Setbacks

Setbacks are a normal part of any challenging mission, both in and out of the military —including the journey to quit drinking alcohol. If you’ve experienced a slip – that is, a temporary setback in a sobriety journey – remember that your commitment to your health and mission readiness is not defined by a single moment, but by your determination to keep moving forward. Setbacks are not failures—they are opportunities to regroup, learn and strengthen your resolve.

Service members know that mission readiness is about adapting and overcoming, not perfection. Here are some ways you can persevere, find renewed motivation and maintain your ability to answer the call to serve on your path to sobriety.

Strategies to Regain Momentum and Stay Mission Ready

• Set Realistic Goals and Achievement Milestones
  Breaking your mission into smaller, achievable objectives can make the path to sobriety more manageable. Each milestone you reach is a victory. For example, set specific, realistic goals, such as:
  • Reducing the number of drinks per week.
  • Committing to alcohol-free days.
  • Writing down your goals and keeping them visible.
  • Celebrating each achievement, no matter how small.
• Reframe Goals with Feel-Good Statements
  Instead of focusing on what you’re giving up, reframe your goals in positive, mission-focused terms. For example, replace “I can’t drink at social events” with “I’m choosing to stay mission ready and protect my health as a service member.”
• Seek Support to Strengthen Force Readiness
  No warfighter completes a mission alone. Support from friends, family or professional groups is vital for maintaining readiness and achieving and maintaining sobriety. Consider joining a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), seeking help through military-specific programs and resources like Military OneSource.
• Celebrate Progress to Maintain Momentum
  Recognize and reward your progress. Celebrating achievements helps reinforce positive behavior and keeps you motivated for the next phase of your service. Consider tracking your progress and acknowledging your successes.

Practical Tips for Perseverance and Readiness

• Reflect on Setbacks
  Identify what led to the slip and make a plan to avoid similar situations in the future.
• Adjust Your Strategy
  If something isn’t working, try a new approach or seek additional support.
• Practice Self-Compassion
  Treat yourself with the same understanding you’d offer a fellow comrade.
• Visualize Success
  Picture yourself mission ready, enjoying the benefits of sobriety and enhanced health.

Every Step Forward Strengthens the Force

Remember that every step forward strengthens our ability to fight and win – and that setbacks don’t erase your progress, they are part of the learning process. With perseverance, realistic goals, positive reframing, strong support and celebration of your achievements, you can maintain mission readiness and continue your journey to sobriety. Act now – your health, team, family, friends and future depend on it!