Alcohol Awareness month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  People experience many problems in their lives, ranging from social difficulties to stress of performing well to emergencies back home. 

Although there are many solutions, sometimes, these problems are handled the wrong way. 

Too often, people turn to alcohol as a solution. In observance of Alcohol Awareness month, the Sheppard drug and alcohol abuse counselors objective is to inform Airmen of the negative effects that alcohol can have on people and society, and to help people who believe they have a problem with drinking. 

"Many servicemembers are isolated from family and other positive support for the first time in their lives," said 1st Lt. David Weller, a clinical social worker for the 82nd Medical Operations Squadron. "They are under a tremendous amount of stress. Some of them experience symptoms of depression and anxiety while others just want to feel accepted by their peers. All of these issues put these people at an increased risk for alcohol abuse."

He said, abusing alcohol may temporarily relieve stress, but it can also lead to more serious problems, like sexual assault. About 9-out-of-10 sexual assaults investigated at Sheppard found alcohol to be a contributing factor. Drunk driving and illicit drug use are also critical effects of alcohol abuse, the lieutenant said.

An increasing negative trend AF-wide is that several of the off-duty fatalities involved high blood alcohol content levels, said Mark Schaffer, the ground safety manager for the 82nd Training Wing Safety Office. The members had a BAC of 0.20 or higher. The legal limit nationwide is 0.08. In calendar year 2008, Team Sheppard had 13 DUI's, he said. 

To help prevent these circumstances, Sheppard drug and alcohol abuse counselors use this month as an opportunity to raise awareness of this concern by organizing events that entertain and inform simultaneously.

"The Happy Hour Comedy Tour is coming to Sheppard to promote alcohol awareness. Nationally recognized comedian and motivational speaker, Bernie McGrenahan, not only brings a message that will make you laugh till you cry, but brings a message of awareness regarding the negative effects of heavy alcohol use and abuse," Lieutenant Weller said.

When someone recognizes they have an issue like alcohol abuse, they may feel that no one understands or they may feel that there is something wrong with them. Events like this make it easier for people to talk about their issues.

"We want people to know that help is there, that talking about it with someone they trust is okay and not taboo. We want them to know we are dedicated and willing to provide support for them," Lieutenant Weller said.