Drinking responsibly is the only view that is tolerated Published April 20, 2012 By Mark Hewitt Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor, ADAPT Program Coordinator, and Paul Blystone Drug Demand Reduction Program Manager MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- April is Alcohol Awareness Month and, as Airmen assigned at a base with a nuclear mission, Team Malmstrom members are all entrusted with enormous responsibility. These Airmen accept that and it is reflected in the work-related decisions they make daily. They use technical orders to perform tasks, reference AFIs to ensure compliance, provide medical care necessary to keep a healthy force, promptly process documentation to ensure correct pay and benefits, and much more. Making the correct decision is part of the job. Team Malmstrom members accept that responsibility and act on it many times each day. Unfortunately, this sense of responsibility doesn't always carry over into personal situations. Once off duty, some individuals make poor decisions and engage in high-risk behavior, which can result in mission impairment, impact morale and discipline in a unit, and have negative career consequences. That is especially true regarding the irresponsible use of alcohol, illegal drugs or prohibited substances. Irresponsible use of alcohol is a factor in many situations, including assault, suicide, rape, spouse and child abuse, recreational injuries and traffic fatalities/injuries. It was the prevalence of alcohol-related incidents that led to the 0-0-1-3 program development. The 0-0-1-3 program stands for "zero underage drinking, zero driving under the influence, one drink an hour and never more than three drinks per setting." Leadership doesn't say "do not drink," instead, it advocates moderation and says "if you choose to drink, do it responsibly." Responsible drinking starts with thinking about whether you will drink. It goes without saying that abstaining is the safest choice. For Airmen under 21, abstaining is the only responsible choice. Those who are over 21 and choose to drink, there are ways to drink safely and responsibly: - Plan ahead how much to drink and stick to it - Tell a friend the set drinking limit and ask him/her for help sticking to it - Airmen should avoid people that make them feel uncomfortable when not drinking - Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks - Have a designated driver - Attend gatherings where drinking is not the focus of the event - Drink in a safe and controlled environment - Stick to original plans, doing spontaneous activities after drinking is risky due to impaired judgment There is only one responsible choice when it comes to illegal drugs or prohibited substances such as Spice - don't use them! The Air Force has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to illegal drugs or prohibited substances. While individuals who develop alcohol problems can be returned to duty following successful completion of a treatment program, illegal drug or substance use results in punitive action and discharge. The choices Airmen make with respect to alcohol, illegal drugs and substances also impacts their ability to be or remain certified under the Personnel Reliability Program. Irresponsible use of alcohol that results in an alcohol-related incident or diagnosis of abuse or dependency will result in at least suspension from PRP, and can be followed by temporary or permanent decertification. Following successful treatment and follow-up, Airmen can be recertified. There is no such latitude for drug or substance abuse. As stated in DoDD 5210.42, Nuclear Weapon Personnel Reliability Program, "Any individual who abuses drugs while in PRP shall be immediately, permanently decertified." Every removal from PRP impairs the mission, at least temporarily, because others will have to pick up the slack. In the case of alcohol incidents or drug misuse, the mission is impaired because of irresponsible decisions. Airmen can help each other make responsible choices by being good wingmen. If a friend is underage, remind them they can't legally drink. If they are 21 and tell you they don't want to have more than three drinks, remind them when they reach their self-imposed limit. Ask them what their plan is to get home if they will be drinking. If suspecting they may be abusing alcohol or drugs, encourage them to seek help. Signs they may need help include marital, family, financial, legal, relationship or work-related problems. Decline in personal appearance, dress and cleanliness can also be signs. Even a good wingman can only do so much. Making the right and smart decision in line with our values of integrity, service, and excellence for the good of the mission and the nation is a personal responsibility. Programs Available on Base: -The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program, or ADAPT, is available by calling 731-4451. Airmen do not have to be referred to ADAPT. Self-identification is encouraged for people who suspect they have a substance-related problem. -Base Chaplains are available at 731-3721. Resources for Additional Information: Contact the 341st Missile Wing Drug Testing Office for Prevention Materials and Information at 731-4401. Online Resources: http://www.samhsa.gov http://www.health.org http://ncadd.org http://www.nida.nih.gov http://www.theantidrug.com http://www.militaryonesource.com