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December is the month of giving and a time to be grateful for our many blessings.
It is also a time of many holiday parties and get-togethers with friends and family, which typically includes alcohol.
December is also the Air Force’s Responsible Alcohol Use Month and a time to reflect upon the importance of responsible alcohol consumption.
Notoriously, members who abuse alcohol are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors that put themselves and others in harm’s way.
National research defines heavy drinking as more than three drinks for women or four drinks for men per occasion at least once a week.
Because heavy drinking and the risk of sexual assault go hand-in-hand, members needlessly place themselves in these dangerous situations that can negatively impact their lives for years to come.
Planning ahead (and sticking to the plan), having a trustworthy wingman and always ensuring you have a designated driver are also critical steps in minimizing the instances of DUIs or DWIs or other career altering and life changing alcohol-related incidents.
Heavy alcohol use can also play a profound toll on a member’s finances while also contributing greatly to total calorie intake that, in time, expands the waistline.
Are you thinking calories when you drink? If not, maybe you should.
Wine – 160 calories in an 8 ounce glass; same as eating 40 hard fruit candies
Long Island Iced Tea – 580 calories in a 10 ounce glass; same as eating 10 lollipops
Piña Colada – 655 calories in a 12 ounce glass; same as eating 65 tropical gum drops
Beer – 145 calories in a 12 ounce can; same as eating 24 small jelly beans
Martini – 275 calories in a 4 ounce glass; same as eating 19
caramel-filled candies
Margarita – 750 calories in a 12 ounce glass; same as eating 86 gummi bears
Daiquiri – 675 calories in a 12 ounce glass; same as eating 34 fruit chew candies
Fuzzy Navel – 445 calories in a 10 ounce glass; same as eating 18
chocolate chewy rolls
Heavy drinkers can easily exceed the amount of calories they need on a daily or weekly basis. With a heightened emphasis on readiness and fitness, these added calories have a negative impact on overall health and wellness, physical fitness score and possibly the Air Force careers of our members. It behooves each of us to understand the consequences associated with excessive alcohol use while utilizing the resources available to us.
In a time of global instability, we simply cannot afford to lose any of our valued members to alcohol misuse and abuse.
For additional information on this topic, contact:
• Family Advocacy Program: 06371-46-2370 – Addresses military
family violence
• Airman & Family Readiness Center: 06371-47-5100 – Provides support services to families and recommendations for off-base resources
• Mental Health: 06371-46-2390 – Provides counseling for active-duty members on personal, work and family-related issues and alcohol and drug abuse prevention and treatment services
• Chaplains: 06371-47-6148 – Guidance and support for life and spiritual needs
• Military and Family Life Consultants: 01522-421-2122 – Provides brief, anonymous consultation for daily life stressors
• Health and Wellness Center: 06371-47-4292 – Provides fitness and nutritional education as well as smoking cessation classes
• TRICARE Service Center: 06371-46-2616 – Information and referral services for family members and dependents
If you are a victim of sexual assault, whether alcohol-related or not:
• Law Enforcement Desk – 06371-47-2050
• Sexual Assault Response Coordinator – 06371-47-7272
• www.SAPR.mil
Additional Web-based resources and information:
• Alcoholics Anonymous at www.alcoholics-anonymous.org
• Parents: The Anti-Drug at www.theantidrug.com
