Have a plan this holiday season

  • Published
  • By Jason Heavner
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  For many Airmen at Malmstrom Air Force Base, the holiday season includes family gatherings and social functions with friends. For some, that could include partaking in one or two alcoholic beverages. With that said, one must remember to ask themselves, “how much is too much?” especially if driving is part of the plan to get to a social function.

Along with asking themselves on how much they should have to drink, individuals should also keep in mind the legal ramifications of getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.

December is Drunk Driving Prevention Month. With that in mind, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program is in place to educate Airmen on the hazards of driving while impaired. Whether a person is a first-time or a repeat offender, the financial burden can be significant.

According to the Montana Department of Transportation, a person receiving their first DUI will face jail time from as little as one day up to six months depending on how excessive the person’s blood alcohol content is. In addition, fines can be anywhere between $600 to $1000 dollars, which doesn’t include court costs. Along with that, the person’s driver’s license is suspended for six months.

ADAPT is an Air Force-led program that promotes readiness, health and wellness through the prevention and treatment of substance abuse and misuse.

Mark Hewitt, 341st Medical Operations Squadron, states that this time of year can be a sensitive time for a first-term Airmen on base.

“We always get stories where we see that young Airman, first time from home, and in most cases come from a bigger city,” said Hewitt. “Now that they’re here in Montana, away from family, they might not find a whole lot of things to do but hang out with friends and have a few drinks. It’s not necessarily a bad thing if it’s done in moderation, but now that it’s winter time it becomes a more serious matter.”

Hewitt agrees that with the continuous wintry weather that Montana has in store for the area, along with the hazards of driving while intoxicated, can be a recipe for a sticky situation.

“When you have the ice and snow mixed in with the impairment that is brought on by alcohol consumption it’s a double whammy, thus greatly increasing the chances of having an accident,” said Hewitt.

Airmen are encouraged to have a plan when going to a gathering or a party where alcohol is involved. In the event a plan falls through, Airmen can call 406-788-HOME (4663) to get a free ride from the place of origin to their place of residence.

Airmen and the families needing assistance in curbing alcohol or drug dependency may call the ADAPT program line at 406-731-4451.