Social drinker or safety risk?

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Elzina Simmons
  • 22nd Medical Operations Squadron
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  We've seen alcohol-related accidents on television and in the newspapers. We've wondered how people can operate an automobile knowing they are too drunk to drive. It's accepted as the "norm" for many adults to socialize by drinking together at a local bar or club. But when does a social drinker cross the line and becomes a safety risk with some type of alcohol related incident?

Many people state "I know how much I can drink and still have my wits about me to safely drive home." In the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Office here at McConnell, 56 percent of individuals seen for alcohol related incidents said they "felt fine." That means 44 percent knew they were impaired, but did not attempt to make any changes in their behaviors for the safety of themselves or others.

Consequently, what should be a no-brainer is quite often the most expensive education we're ever likely to receive. The cost can be everything: your license, your car, your home, up to $30,000 or more in legal fees, fines, lost wages and increased insurance. Worse, there is no price you can put on the loss of someone's life.

Many people justify their actions by blaming the alcohol, but that's not what this is about. It's about being responsible for your actions. People report they drink to relax, relieve stress, to help them sleep and most common to socialize. The real reason people consume alcoholic drinks is because they enjoy the effects that alcohol gives them - they enjoy the way they feel after having a few. A few years ago, an alcoholic beverage company promoted an awareness campaign with the slogan "Think when you drink." That's good, but it doesn't go far enough, because we can't think when we drink. The ad should've been "Think before you drink" - because as any substance abuse counselor will tell you, judgment is the first faculty that goes. The Air Force's 0-0-1-3 program reminds us to have a plan before we drink, to drink one drink an hour and three drinks in sitting. Check out the table below to understand better how different levels of alcohol can effect you.

So, the next time you and your friends decide to get together for a few drinks ask yourself, "social drinker or safety risk?" Don't wait for an incident or accident to find out which category you fall in. If you have questions, or feel you need help, call the ADAPT office at 759-5091. We have education and treatment programs available. Remember, thinking it could never happen to you is your first mistake - and it only gets worse from there for everyone.