SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The holiday season is filled with fun, friends and festivity. Unfortunately at this time of year, holiday celebrations can cause some to over consume alcohol. The American Psychiatric Association recommends safe and moderate alcohol consumption during the holidays.
Take the following into consideration for a safe holiday season:
If you intend to drink more than three alcoholic drinks - one drink equals one shot, one standard glass of wine or one U.S. 12 oz. beer - ask yourself why? More than five alcoholic drinks in a sitting or evening is considered binge drinking. After the third alcoholic drink, your ability to make sound decisions has declined.
If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby, you should not drink at all. Alcohol consumption interferes with growth and development of the fetus, causing reduced birth weight, birth defects, learning and behavioral disorders, and newborn distress.
There is evidence that no more than two standard drinks per day may reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease in some people, but other variables such as age, gender, health status and medications can increase the affects of alcohol.
Do not drink and drive, use heavy machinery or combine alcohol with other medications. Alcohol impairs a person's ability to react, causing drowsiness and affecting judgment.
People with a family history of alcoholism or a prior history of alcohol abuse are at increased risk of developing alcohol dependence.
Symptoms of alcoholism, or alcohol addiction, may include craving or a strong need or urge to drink, loss of control and not being able to stop once drinking has begun, and physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shakiness and an increase in tolerance.
People recovering from an alcohol-related disorder should not drink. For individuals recovering from alcohol abuse or dependence, small amounts of alcohol typically lead to relapse.
You play a major role in your command's ability to reduce alcohol-related incidents. Sabers should hold themselves accountable in creating a culture in which everyone is held to the standard of making responsible choices - at work and at home.
If you have questions or concerns regarding alcohol consumption, see your supervisor or first sergeant or call the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Office at DSN 452-8321.