RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
On the heels of Alcohol Abuse Awareness Month, members of the Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Treatment program pass along resources available to supervisors and wingmen to deal with someone who may have a problem with alcohol abuse.
Along with several Web sites, designed as interactive resources, the ADAPT team is available to provide support to anyone with, or dealing with, someone who has a problem with alcohol.
"If there is a problem, we want to catch it early," said Maj. Brian Everitt, ADAPT program manager. "Someone with an alcohol abuse problem may be able to sustain for two to even 18 years. They say, 'the last thing to go is the job,' we don't want it to get to that point."
Air Force culture stresses the wingman concept, where Airmen take care of Airmen. This mindset makes wingmen a first-line of defense in keeping the force fit to fight. The ADAPT team hopes to prepare wingmen and supervisors to spot signs of alcohol abuse and know what resources are available for reference.
Senior Master Sgt. Gary Scott, ADAPT NCO in charge, said signs of alcohol abuse include a decline in personal hygiene, tardiness, mood swings and change of attitude at work. If one witnesses these signs in a friend, co-worker or subordinate, they should contact their first sergeant and ask to see the ADAPT team.
"Airmen should always go through their first sergeant in cases of referral," Sergeant Scott said. "But, we are always here for help."
Educating Airmen will aid in the prevention of alcohol abuse in the future. An interactive Web site is available to anyone who needs a little help with information and opening the lines of communication with subordinates.
The Web site at www.thatguy.com, uses video scenarios and interactive games to show the negative effects of drinking. Users can see facts about excessive drinking, add up money spent on a 'drink calculator,' or view traits of typical excessive drinkers and consequences they encounter.
"Supervisors can use this Web site as a training tool with their troops," said Sergeant Scott. "It's interactive and will keep them interested."
The Air Force crossroads Web site at www.afcrossroads.com/websites/corc.cfm also has valuable information for training and awareness. The site features information from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., the first base to test the 0-0-1-3 concept. The site also features best practices from other bases' Culture of Responsible Choices, CORC, programs.
"Although there is no mandatory training for alcohol abuse, there are many resources available for education and prevention," said Major Everitt. "With the help of wingmen and supervisors, we can catch problems early and prevent consequences in the future."
For more information on the ADAPT program, call 652-2448.