Alcohol consumption significant decision

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE — Life is full of decisions. Some are no more significant than choosing to wear the button-down shirt instead of the knit pullover; others have consequences so far-reaching that their effects are felt for a lifetime. Choose right and reap the reward, choose wrong and become a cautionary tale.

U.S. Air Force graphic: Senior Airman Whitney Tucker

April is Alcohol Awareness Month and airmen at Cannon Air Force Base are encouraged to educate themselves, their wingmen and their families on developing a healthy approach to alcohol consumption. Air Commandos are also encouraged to take advantage of base programs designed to prevent alcohol related incidents and help Airmen cope with the adverse effects of excessive alcohol intake.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month and Air Commandos at Cannon Air Force Base have the opportunity to ask themselves, in a world filled with the potential for error, why complicate things?

"At concentrations greater than .08 percent, alcohol begins to impair fine muscle coordination, alter balance and gait, shorten the attention span, blur vision, decrease heart rate, and cause potentially life-threatening respiratory depression," said Capt. Corey Carnes, 27th Special Operations Medical Operations Squadron Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program manager.

In today's Air Force, business is booming. There is no shortage of individuals looking to cross into the blue. What does this mean for airmen currently serving? It is more imperative to toe the line than ever before.

"The Air Force does not prohibit the consumption of alcohol. However, airmen who choose to partake are expected to remember that their actions should reflect the core values at all times," Carnes said.

Statistics show there are few things that can derail a service member's career faster than a DUI or DWI. Fortunately, the sole mission of the Airmen Against Drunk Driving program is to provide a safe alternative to driving after consuming alcohol. The program is not a taxi service, however, and should only be utilized if all other plans fall through.

"The AADD program is an organization led by Cannon airmen," said Senior Airman Alexxis Pons Abascal, 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs photojournalist and AADD president. "The main objective of AADD is to prevent deaths, injuries and illegal actions that result from driving under the influence. This program assists military members, dependents, civilians and contractors as a last resort. With this service available, no one should ever drive drunk."

Despite the Air Force's hardline stance on alcohol-related incidents and alcohol abuse, airmen who choose to acknowledge alcohol dependency and seek assistance will be met with a host of comprehensive clinical assistance.

"The primary objectives of the ADAPT program are to promote readiness, health and wellness through the prevention and treatment of substance misuse and abuse; to minimize the negative consequences of substance misuse and abuse; to provide education and treatment to individuals who experience problems attributed to substance misuse or abuse; to restore function; and return identified substance abusers to unrestricted duty status or to assist them in their transition to civilian life, as appropriate," Carnes said.

Watching the revolving door of public figures and celebrities charged with various alcohol related crimes, it would be easy to consider driving after having a few drinks the new normal. But for airmen of the 27th Special Operations Wing, excellence is the standard, integrity is to be expected and putting service before self is practically a guarantee.

"Know your limits and use your resources," Carnes said. "We are professionals; we are Air Commandos!"