Be responsible during festivities: Think before you drink Published Jan. 7, 2008 By Master Sgt. Brian Fairchild 354th Medical Operations Squadron Alcohol & Drug Counselor EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- The holiday season has come and gone and a significant part of that for some of us included holiday parties. Some of the celebration has also included driving after drinking; December saw two Eielson personnel receive DUIs. Understanding the cost of a DUI, strategies for responsible drinking, and local resources can help truly enjoy this time of year. In 2006, there were 768 DUIs in the Fairbanks and North Pole area. That's nearly 20 percent of all DUIs for the entire state. Eielson personnel had 20 DUI arrests in 2007, with the 4th Quarter of 2007 seeing seven arrests. Over all, that spells a 43-percent increase in DUI's compared to 2006. When looking at the total number we may be tempted to think that because it's not a huge number compared to other installations, it's really not a huge problem. However, we should also consider a recent AF-trend. For first time in about five years, AF-wide DUI rates have decreased from 1,784 in fiscal year 2006 to 1,505 in FY2007. Rates for underage drinking and crimes against people (to include domestic violence) also went down significantly. One way to view this in terms of having alcohol-related misconduct at Eielson is that you will be in an increasingly smaller segment of the Air Force family who is having alcohol related misconduct, and who likes being considered abnormal? This misconduct costs Airmen and their families greatly: The consequences of DWI in Alaska include: - at least three days in jail - minimum fine of $1,500 - loss of license for at least 90 days - all court and jail costs (at least $250.00) Remember these are for a first offense misdemeanor, and reflect minimum amounts. Additionally, commanders may impose other punishments on military members including administrative actions, nonjudicial punishment, and revocation of driving privileges. While the monetary cost is significant, often the embarrassment and stress this brings on individuals and families creates other stressors. No one ever plans to get a DUI or any other alcohol-related misconduct. The key is thinking through most possible scenarios and having a plan for your partying. While holiday festivities are over, others still await - Super Bowl Parties, and St. Patrick's Day for example. Please consider and try some of the following when enjoying your celebration: - provide non-alcoholic beverages as an alternative - ensure you have eaten prior to drinking - remember the purpose for your party (if it's the alcohol, this is a recipe for an incident) - choose a specific limit (World Health Organization recommends no more than three drinks for women and no more than four drinks for men in one setting) - pace yourself (it's O.K. to drink a little slower) - alternate alcoholic with non-alcoholic drinks - have a way to get home (designated driver or other means) in case your transportation plans fall through - sticking to one drink per hour (less for smaller individuals and women) is a good rule of thumb The Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program has educational materials with more specific suggestions for sensible drinking. It also offer the BAR Class (Being Alcohol-Responsible) each month. Call the ADAPT Program at 377-4910 for more information on available resources and the class. While most know the Air Force policy on alcohol use centers on responsible drinking and knowing your limit; very few people have had someone teach them what a reasonable limit is for them. Hopefully, following the above suggestions will help folks enjoy their celebrations, and avoid any untimely incidents. Have a plan, follow the plan, and have fun versus letting the fun have you.