Alcohol abuse affects Airmen, families

  • Published
  • By Airman Mikeal A. Young
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Alcohol abuse can affect an Airman's morale, situational awareness, family life and career.

"Today's Air Force is not the same as it was 20 years ago," said Tech. Sgt. Patrick Dwyer, noncommissioned officer in charge of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program. "The use of alcohol is less glamorized than it used to be."

There are many factors that can lead to alcohol abuse, some of which include problems with the spiritual, emotional, physical and social aspects of life, Sergeant Dwyer said.

The effects of alcohol not only encompass the Airmen who use it but also their families, Sergeant Dwyer said. Family members need to say something when there are symptoms of alcohol abuse. Oftentimes, family members keep the problem to themselves because the subject is taboo.

Edwards has many different organizations geared to help Airmen and their families prevent and treat alcohol abuse. These include Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment, Drug Education for Youth and Squadron Alcohol Intervention. The base also has the Desert Warrior Orientation Program and First Term Airman's Class both of which gives information to newcomers about different programs that could help prevent alcohol abuse. Airmen can also rely on chaplains and their first sergeants if they need help.

To prevent alcohol abuse, Airman should monitor the number of drinks they consume, and use the wingman concept, said Senior Airman Nathaniel C. Bone, a mental health technician with the 95th Medical Operations Support Squadron.

"Airmen should seek help when they start noticing a pattern," he said.

One of the concepts Airmen can use to avoid alcohol problems is the "0-0-1-3" rule, Sergeant Dwyer said. This is not an Air Force policy but more of a household initiative.

The "0-0-1-3" rule means, zero drinks if you are under 21 years old, zero drinks if driving, limit to one drink per hour and three drinks per night, he said.

Airman can also assess themselves through self-evaluation tools to see if they have an alcohol problem, Sergeant Dwyer said.

"You have to learn to balance the use of alcohol with the other aspects of your life," Airman Bone said. "Alcohol abuse can affect an Airman's quality of work and it can hinder the focus of the Air Force's mission."