Navy Encourages Sailors to Not Let Alcohol Ruin Careers

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- In honor of Alcohol Abuse Awareness Month, the Navy is encouraging Sailors who drink alcohol to be responsible and not let alcohol ruin their careers or lives.

"When Sailors choose to drink responsibly, they not only protect their individual health and careers, they help improve the Navy's ability to be mission-ready and maintain the level of performance expected of service members," said Dorice Favorite, director, Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (NADAP).

Rather than suggesting that Sailors shouldn't drink at all, the Navy recognizes that Sailors are responsible, decision-making adults, and therefore advises Sailors over 21 years of age, to drink responsibly and within reason if they choose to drink alcohol. NADAP suggests that Sailors can drink responsibly by following three simple guidelines:

1.) Plan ahead for a safe ride home
2.) Don't try to "keep up" with others
3.) Know your limit, before you get there

"Only one-third of 17 to 24 year olds in the United States are eligible for Navy service, and even fewer are capable of enduring the physical and emotional challenges of being a Sailor," said Favorite. "We recognize these accomplishments and want to remind Sailors of what they have to lose by making a poor choice with alcohol."

According to NADAP, signs that you may be drinking too much include not having control over the amount of alcohol you consume, alcohol negatively affecting your work and/or relationships with others, and poor judgment and risk-taking. Other effects of too much alcohol include slow reaction time and reflexes, difficulty remembering details or events, and angry and/or depressed mood.

Commands and individuals can access responsible consumption of alcohol materials and resources as part of NADAP's recently launched campaign, "Keep What You've Earned." Unit leaders and alcohol abuse prevention personnel (ADCOs/DAPAs) are encouraged to display these resources at their installations and share messages within their respective commands through regular interactions such as weekly liberty briefings.
For more information on how you can encourage responsible drinking among Sailors, visit www.nadap.navy.mil>
For more news from Navy Personnel Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/npc/.