MDG brings awareness for Responsible Drinking Month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class David Carbajal
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The 3rd Medical Group Mental Health Flight will recognize the Air Force's Responsible Drinking Awareness Month Dec. 1-31. 

During this month, the flight will display information booths at the hospital and fitness center to inform the public on responsible drinking. 

"There are plenty of examples of irresponsible drinking," said Master Sgt. Nathaniel Perry, Mental Health Flight superintendent. "All irresponsible drinking is dangerous, but nearly 25 percent of all referrals are DUIs." 

Members are also referred to Mental Health for all alcohol-related incidents to include fights, domestic violence and injuries caused by excess alcohol. 

The number of referrals and patients in Mental Health are not much different than those at other bases, said Sergeant Perry, "but most of these referrals are preventable."

"Our key is to educate the Airmen and Soldiers on ways they can be more responsible when they drink," said Capt. Marisa Alvarado, Mental Health Outreach Element chief. "Being well rested, spacing out your drinks and setting your limits are great ways to be more responsible." 

Statistically, people age 18-25 are most often those involved in alcohol-related incidents. As a result, this age group is the flight's target audience. 

"With most of our military being our target audience, it's important for us to educate the importance of drinking responsibly," said Captain Alvarado. 

The flight isn't just looking to help military. Family members of active-duty members are welcome to the treatment of the Mental Health flight said Captain Alvarado.

Tips to safe, responsible drinking 

1. Show up to the bar or party later to minimize your drinking time, or start off with a non-alcoholic drink. 

2. Keep drinking to three drinks or less per drinking episode 

3. Consume no more than one alcoholic beverage per hour

4. Alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

5. Set your limits, and stick to them. Setting your limits can also include drinking only on special occasions, on weekends, or scheduled events. But remember to stick to your limits

6. Come up with a plan on getting home; have a non-drinking designated driver or arrange for alternatives methods of getting home safely. It should never be an option to drive after drinking alcohol