Responsible drinking: a personal choice

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Brian Jones
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Responsible choices are a cornerstone of Air Force culture. Making the proper decisions when it comes to drinking can be the difference between having a good time and an alcohol-related incident that could shorten your career, or worse, your life.

The Air Force uses the wingman philosophy to encourage Airmen to look out for each other, but ultimately, the responsibility to make good choices regarding alcohol consumption rests on the individual.

"Having a wingman is a fabulous concept, but personal responsibility is personal responsibility," said Capt. Alicia Edwards, 39th Medical Group Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Manager. "Your ultimate goal cannot be to go out and get drunk. That's a red flag for potential problems. There's nothing about that goal that equates to personal responsibility."

"Drinking should accompany an activity, not be the activity," said Staff Sgt. Seana Creech, 39th MDG certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor. "You shouldn't be going out to drink and bowl a few games, but to bowl and have a few drinks."

The key to making responsible drinking choices is making decisions based on what you already know.

"Responsible drinking is knowing yourself, knowing your tolerance, knowing your personality when you drink, setting limits and being aware of your surroundings," said Captain Edwards. "Responsible drinking is about you. Sometimes people compare themselves to other people. You can't compare your drinking habits to someone else's to determine what normal is."

Being aware of your surroundings is particularly important here in Turkey.

"Here in Turkey, alcohol isn't regulated," said Captain Edwards. "What they're pouring for you in the Alley isn't the same thing their pouring for you in the club."

"We've all heard that one drink is equal to five ounces of wine, a 12-ounce beer or a one and a half ounce shot," said Sergeant Creech, "but that doesn't equate to a shot of 151 or some of the concoctions they make in the dorms."

According to Captain Edwards, irresponsible drinking choices often lead to other issues like marriage and work problems, not to mention, the possibility of an ARI. Before any of these scenarios becomes a reality, Incirlik members can take advantage of the prevention, education and treatment programs available through the 39th MDG Mental Health Division.

"It's import to understand that 'treatment isn't discipline,'" said Captain Edwards.