Airmen have options for alcohol abuse

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Abigail Klein
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  As part of Alcohol Awareness Month, TriWest Healthcare Alliance and 28th Medical Group have committed themselves to educating active-duty members and families on the effects of alcohol misuse through the Air Force Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program program.

According to the Center for Disease Control Web site, www.cdc.gov, heavy drinking is defined as more than two drinks per day for men or more than one drink per day for women. Binge drinking is five or more drinks during a single occasion for men or four or more drinks during a single occasion for women. It is the third leading lifestyle-related cause of death in the United States each year - linked to approximately 79,000 deaths.

A 2005 Department of Defense Survey on Health Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Personnel reported 32.2 percent of Active Duty Personnel engaged in heavy drinking, compared with 17.8 percent of civilian men.

Fortunately, 28 MDG and TriWest Healthcare Alliance offer a variety of education resources about alcohol consumption as well as treatment options for those who are considered heavy drinkers, said SueAnn Turner, TriWest Healthcare Alliance clinical liaison nurse.

Active-duty members are encouraged to refer themselves to the ADAPT if they feel there is an issue with their alcohol use. Servicemembers are evaluated to determine the type of services needed and then placed into a program that best meets their needs. The ADAPT program offers a variety of treatment options.

"We offer education for individuals who do not receive a diagnosis, as well as those servicemembers who receive a diagnosis," said Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Mills, NCO in charge of ADAPT.

Some of the other options available include individual counseling at the 28th Medical Group, intensive outpatient treatment through the Rapid City Veterans Affairs Clinic; residential treatment through Hot Springs VA Medical Center, and inpatient treatment through Cedar Springs Behavioral Health System located in Colorado Springs, Colo.

"We have had really good results with our off-base treatment programs and it's also more beneficial for the servicemember if they seek help prior to having an alcohol-related incident," Sergeant Mills said.

In addition to treatment options for those who are diagnosed with alcohol abuse or dependence, TriWest and ADAPT provide education to the base population through pamphlets, information booths and ADAPT performs briefings at the First Term Airmen Center and Right Start.

Ms. Turner also recommends these steps for anyone trying to aid responsible drinking:
· Be aware that alcohol is a powerful drug and begin treating it like one.
· Pre-plan transportation before going out if you plan to drink.
· Know your limits and don't give in to peer pressure, even if a friend insists on having another drink.
· Keep track of how much alcohol is consumed on a calendar or in a journal. By taking note of each drink, a person becomes more aware of his or her habits.

Support groups and therapy options can be found by visiting www.triwest.com. Select TriWest's Behavioral Health portal under. Active-duty and family members may contact TriWest at (888) 874-9378 to find out more about available services.