Alcohol: Are you consuming it, or is it consuming you?

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stephen Linch
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and the 48th Fighter Wing is taking part to highlight alcohol abuse prevention as well as different resources available to those dealing with alcohol related issues.

"We are using it (Alcohol Awareness Month) as a prevention message," said Capt. Laura Nichols, 48th Fighter Wing Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program manager. "Most people don't have a diagnosable problem with alcohol. Alcohol doesn't interfere with their day-to-day work or play or family life."

"But for some people it does," she added.

Often people are not aware of how alcohol is affecting their lives, said Nichols.

"The best starting point usually is friends and spouses to understand if you have a problem," she said. "Listen to your friends and spouses when they say you are not acting the same way you used to, or your use of alcohol is really getting out of control."

For those whose lives are being affected by alcohol use, help is available.

According to Nichols, there are a lot of resources available to Airmen dealing with alcohol abuse or situations being affected by alcohol use such as the ADAPT Program, military chaplains, the mental health clinic, military family life consultants, family advocacy and the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

Getting help is not just important for the member, their family and their friends, Nichols said.

"Being in the Air Force, not only does it (alcohol abuse) interfere with people's lives, but things that interfere with your life also interfere with the mission," she said.

To help highlight alcohol abuse prevention as well as different resources available, the 48th FW ADAPT Program is hosting two shows featuring comedian Bernie McGrenahan at the Strike Eagle Complex at 9 a.m. April 30 and May 2. The show, "Happy Hour," covers the dangers and risks of alcohol abuse, drug abuse and sexual assault and harassment.

For helpful tools and more information please visit the 48th Fighter Wing Resiliency Page at: http://www.lakenheath.af.mil/library/sword-48fwresiliencywebsite/index.asp