LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
- Department of Defense studies show 43-percent of Airmen E-1 through E-3 admit drinking the night before has impacted work the next day and 56-percent of sexual assaults in the Air Force are alcohol-abuse related.
The Air Force guidance on alcohol consumption, the Culture of Responsible Choices Program, limits Airmen to one drink per hour not to exceed three drinks a night. Unfortunately, when this guidance is disregarded, the result may be alcohol abuse.
"People join the Air Force in hopes of changing their lives, but sometimes problems they've left behind, such as alcohol abuse or dependency, resurface during their career," said Dr. Terrence Tierney, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program manager and clinical psychologist.
It is important to recognize signs of alcohol abuse and dependency in fellow Airmen and to know what steps to take to get them help. Alcohol abusers often find themselves in trouble, whether it is public intoxication or driving under the influence. Alcohol dependents continue to drink, even though their habit affects work, relationships, family and legal issues. Alcohol dependency is based on control; they don't know how much they will drink once they start.
Though alcohol abuse and dependency differ in alcohol management, they have similar signs and symptoms: a change in mood or attitude, to include irritability and mood swings, and a change in routine to include a loss of interest in hobbies and activities replaced by drinking. Dr. Tierney also said if someone's life revolves around their habit, it's a strong indicator they have a drinking problem.
"Sometimes people don't realize they have a problem until someone addresses it," he said. "I believe it's fair to give people a chance to fix their problem."
Airmen should be encouraged to seek help through the base chapel or medical personnel. Dr. Tierney also recommends Airmen try drinking in moderation. This includes alternating an alcoholic beverage with soda or water, diluting drinks and making a commitment to be more reasonable when drinking.
If encouragement to get help is ignored, the next step is to go to a first sergeant, Dr. Tierney said. From this point, you've done your part as a wingman, and the matter is now in the hands of the first sergeant and the Airman's chain of command.
Once the first sergeant and Airman's chain of command are notified, the Airman is referred to Langley's ADAPT program. Depending on the Airman's needs, they are placed in different levels of treatment or placed in the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program at Naval Station Norfolk.
Dr. Tierney said he feels that getting fellow Airmen the help they need is important, but it is also important for Airmen make responsible choices for the sake of others.
"Airmen who find themselves in a bad situation with alcohol in which they depend on a wingman for help, show a lack of understanding of the wingman concept," he said. "By being a responsible drinker, you're not only taking care of yourself, but others."