Drinking safely: what you should know, do Published March 30, 2007 By 52nd Medical Operations Squadron Life Skills, ADAPT Program SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, GERMANY -- -- Did you know ... * You can die from drinking too much? * A certain blood alcohol level can put you in a coma? * Binge drinking is common, but deadly? * Substance abuse has a negative impact on both you and the mission? Einstein once said, "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius knows its limits." Remember that the next time you go drinking. Before going out to drink, have a good plan and always have a wingman. Have a good understanding of what constitutes "a drink." One drink can be defined as one 12 ounce beer, 1.5 oz shot of liquor, or four ounces of wine. Planning ahead is the best way to be at a low risk of getting involved in an alcohol-related incident or developing a serious alcohol problem. Planning begins with setting a moderate limit -- drinking in moderation means no more than two or three drinks per episode, no more than three days per week, and limiting how fast you drink; these steps will typically result in keeping your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) below .045-.055. Never drink alcohol when taking medications, have an illness made worse by alcohol, if pregnant or trying to conceive, are experiencing symptoms of depression, or doing anything that may endanger your life (like driving a car or boat). Some other planning tips include being of legal age, eating a meal before drinking, drinking no more than one drink per hour; limiting your consumption to less than binge-drinking thresholds (three drinks for women, four drinks for men), always knowing what you are drinking, alternating alcohol-free drinks throughout the evening, and knowing how you will get home safely before you go out. Alcohol affects women differently than men. Women can expect substantially more alcohol-caused impairment than men at equivalent levels of consumption. Some reasons why women might be more sensitive to alcohol include 1) women are typically smaller than men; 2) The average female carries more body fat than the average male, and body fat contains little water. Consequently, most women have less body water to dilute the alcohol, leaving a higher concentration of alcohol in women's bodies; 3) Alcohol dehydrogenase is a metabolizing enzyme that helps the body get alcohol out of its system. Women have less of this enzyme than men, so more of what women drink enters the bloodstream as pure alcohol; and 4) Fluctuating hormone levels in women means that the intoxicating effects of alcohol will set in faster when their estrogen levels are higher, premenstrually. Also, alcohol increases the estrogen levels -- birth control pills or other medications with estrogen will cause the intoxicating effects to set in at lower levels of BAC. High-risk drinking behaviors include being underage, doing shots, drinking games, and chugging (drinking anything out of a punch bowl, trough, hose, or funnel), drinking to get drunk (intoxicated), driving after drinking or riding with someone under the influence, drinking too much or too fast on an empty stomach, going to parties or clubs where people drink too much, not knowing what is in your glass or leaving it unattended, and mixing alcohol with any medications or illegal drugs. Remember, impairment begins with the first drink. Each drink after that only intensifies the effects that the alcohol is having on your body, mind, and behaviors. The liver can only metabolize approximately one alcoholic drink per hour. More than that could result in significant medical problems (i.e., cancer, organ diseases, alcohol poisoning, alcoholism, sexual dysfunction). Even small amounts of alcohol will result in euphoria, uncoordinated movements, and decreased judgment. Moderate amounts result in decreased pain sensitivity, drowsiness, confusion, decreased fear and anxiety, aggressiveness, reduced inhibitions, and increased risk-taking behaviors. Larger amounts of alcohol consumption result in physical and psychological distress, nausea, vomiting, blackout, stupor, deep anesthesia, and potential death. High-risk drinking and alcohol abuse greatly impact our lives and our ability to fulfill the Air Force mission. Yearly, the Air Force loses millions of dollars and manpower hours due to substance abuse. As our service becomes leaner while acquiring additional responsibilities, our mission effectiveness depends upon a disciplined and fit fighting force capable of deploying globally at a moment's notice. This means we cannot allow substance abuse to degrade our combat capability. Also, irresponsible alcohol use, on or off base, is dangerous and reflects poorly on the Air Force community as a whole. Not all substance abuse problems are attributed to alcohol-related incidents. If you've felt that your drinking has gotten out of control, you've been unable to cut down, people are annoyed and criticize your drinking, or you've felt guilty about your drinking, you should seek help immediately. The stigma of destroying your career because you sought help is just untrue. The majority of individuals seeking help found they actually save their career-- and potentially their lives. There are several base agencies that can help you. The Air Force Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) program was developed to promote readiness, health and wellness through education and treatment, and to minimize the negative consequences to the individual, family, and organization. When a person is referred to the ADAPT program he or she will be evaluated by a certified substance abuse counselor. The evaluation will determine whether or not the person meets the criteria for Alcohol Abuse or Dependence. Here are some definitions. Alcohol Abuse: Any below standard behavior or performance in which the consumption of alcohol is a primary contributing factor. Alcohol abusers are "problem drinkers", that is, they may have legal problems, such as drinking and driving, or binge drinking (drinking five or more drinks on one occasion for men, four or more drinks for women). Alcohol Dependence: An illness marked by consumption of alcoholic beverages at a level that interferes with physical or mental health, and social, family, or occupational responsibilities. People with alcohol dependence, the most severe alcohol disorder, usually experience tolerance (a need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or the desired effect), and withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is discontinued or intake is decreased. They also spend a great deal of time drinking alcohol, and obtaining it. People who are dependent on or abuse alcohol return to its use despite evidence of physical or psychological problems, though those with dependence have more severe problems and a greater compulsion to drink. Military members are encouraged to seek assistance from their unit commander, first sergeant, supervisor, ADAPT program, or medical professional if their drinking becomes a problem. If an incident occurs, commanders are responsible for ensuring their troops are referred to the ADAPT program. For assistance, call 452-8321.