CoRC: Drug and Alcohol Awareness Published Nov. 19, 2008 By Paul Blystone Drug Demand Reduction Program Manager MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, MONT. -- Editor's Note: This is the fifth article in an ongong series of articles on the Culture of Responsible Choices. The next article in December 2008 will focus on Alcohol Awareness Month. As Airmen at a base with a nuclear mission, we are all entrusted with enormous responsibility while accomplishing that mission. We accept that and it is reflected in the work-related decisions we make daily. We use the technical order to perform the task, reference the AFI to ensure compliance, provide the medical care necessary to keep a healthy force, promptly process the documentation to ensure correct pay and benefits, the list is endless ... Making the correct decision is part of the job. We accept that responsibility and act on it many times each day. Unfortunately, this sense of responsibility doesn't always carry over into our personal lives. 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 about the irresponsible use of alcohol or any use of illegal drugs. Irresponsible use of alcohol is a factor in many situations, including assault, suicide, rape, spouse and child abuse, recreational injuries and traffic fatalities or injuries. It was the prevalence of alcohol-related incidents that led to the 0-0-1-3 program at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. That stands for "zero underage drinking, zero driving under the influence, one drink an hour and never more than three drinks at an event." Air Force leaders broadened the scope of this into the Culture of Responsible Choices to try and change the way Airmen think about a whole spectrum of issues. As it applies to alcohol, CoRC 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. If you are under 21, abstaining is your only responsible choice. If you are over 21 and have chosen to drink, ways to drink legally, safely and responsibly are: - Plan ahead how much you will drink and stick to it - Tell a friend your planned drinking limit and ask him/her to help you stick to it - Don't hang out with people that make you feel uncomfortable if you are 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, don't use them! The Air Force has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to illegal drugs. While individuals who develop alcohol problems can be successfully returned to duty following successful completion of a treatment program, illegal drug use results in punitive action and discharge. The choices you make with respect to alcohol and/or illegal drug use also impact your ability to be or remain certified under the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP). 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 decertification. Following successful treatment and follow-up, you can be recertified. There is no such latitude for drug abuse. As stated in DODD 5210.42 Nuclear Weapon Personnel Reliability Program, "Any individual who abuses drugs while in the 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 abuse, the mission is impaired because of irresponsible decisions. You can help others make responsible choices by being a good wingman. 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 you suspect 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. It is your choice. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Programs Available on Base: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program (ADAPT). Call 731-4451. Substance abuse evaluations and treatment programs. For alcohol, successful completion of program and follow-on can allow for recertification under PRP. Base Chaplains Office. Call 731-3721. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Resources for Additional Information: Drug Demand Reduction Program (DDRP) for Prevention Materials and Information at 731-3784. Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) at 731- 4451. Online Resources: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration http://www.samhsa.gov National Clearing House for Alcohol and Drug Information http://www.health.org National Institute on Drug Abuse http://www.nida.nih.gov Parents: The Anti Drug http://www.theantidrug.com Military One Source http://www.militaryonesource.com