General Information
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) promotes readiness and health and wellness through the prevention and treatment of substance abuse. We are not a disciplinarian agency nor are we here to tell you not to drink. We are a counseling agency available to all Airmen, to teach responsible drinking.
What is responsible drinking?
Many people ask what is responsible drinking and here it is:
The National Institute of Health defines responsible drinking as:
No more than 2 drinks per day for the average male and no more than 1 drink per day for the average female, to include at least 1-2 days of abstinence during the week.
A “drink” is defined as one of the following:
If this is responsible drinking, what about the individuals that drink more than the 2 drinks for the average and 1 for the average female? This is when the term “binge drinking” comes into play. Binge drinking is defined for men as drinking 5 or more drinks in a setting and for women as drinking 4 or more drinks in a setting. Setting meaning, from the time you start drinking to the time you stop (not each time you go to a new bar/club). “Frequent” binge drinking is defined as binge drinking three or more times in the past two weeks.
Binge drinking is the most serious drug problem in the military. Overall, 44% of troops are classified as binge drinkers. Among men, 50% are binge drinkers, and women 39%. Two in five people drink but are not binge drinkers. One in six did not drink at all. About half the binge drinkers, or one in five troops overall, were frequent binge drinkers. For these troops, intoxication is often the main goal. Of these frequent binge drinkers, 73% of men and 68% of women cited drinking to get drunk as an important reason for drinking.
Consequences of Irresponsible Use
LOC, LOR UIF, Article 15, Court Martial
Extra Duty/Restriction to Base
Loss of Base driving privileges
Loss of rank
Fines
Discharge from service
Injury and/or death
MORE CONSEQUENCES….
FACT: Up to 76% of respondents said that they had had unprotected sex as a result of drinking (link)
A recent review study found a significant association between alcohol consumption and at least 1 STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases; 2005; 32: 156-164)
OTHER Activities to do In Panama City
Education – FSU, GCCC
Volunteer services in community
Sporting events and leagues
Read and study CDC’s
Tour the local sites
Bowling, golf and gym on base
Theater
Recreational water sports/ beaches
Squadron and base sports teams
Marina on base and Bonita Bay
Rent a boat/jet ski
Beach
Personal Prevention
Be aware of local programs, such as AADD, 0-0-1-3 and Wingman Program.
Know your fellow airman - be aware of problems likely to contribute to increased alcohol use, such as family, financial, and legal problems.
Utilize ADAPT Prevention resources.
Early intervention/prevention is the key- if you have a “gut” feeling about someone drinking too much, tell them about ADAPT.
Set an example by not participating in/or condoning irresponsible alcohol use.
Remember people cannot be punished simply for coming to the ADAPT Program.
You could save someone’s career- even your own - even their life –by intervening sooner instead of later.
REMEMBER: 1 out of 10 drinkers meet the medical criteria for alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence.
The other 9 out of 10 can typically drink without any problems.
