Alcohol Awareness Month began April 1, but responsible drinking is a year-round commitment for Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

The goal of the CVN 77's drug and alcohol program advisors (DAPA) is to guide Sailors to be safe and responsible when consuming alcohol, as well as encouraging Sailors to seek help if they feel they have any alcohol-related issues.

"This year's theme for Alcohol Awareness Month is 'talk early, talk often,'" said command DAPA Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Akiel Mayers. "Alcohol is the number one legal drug of choice to abuse, so we need to make sure we can stand by our Sailors and provide as much help as possible."

In addition to educating Sailors about responsibility and the risks of alcohol, DAPA also helps those who may be at risk for an alcohol-related issue and/or who refer themselves for help.

"We aren't saying you can't drink," said Assistant Command DAPA Information Systems Technician 1st Class Donshawn Timothy. "We're saying if you go out to drink, drink responsibly since we want Sailors to keep what they earned. We encourage all self-referrals to come get help if they think they have an issue, or if they know a shipmate who has an issue."

A self-referral is initiated by a Sailor who wants counseling or treatment for alcohol or drug abuse, and is considered by the command DAPA to be the best option for seeking help. Sailors who choose this option are not in danger of any disciplinary action.

"To be a self-referral, a Sailor must have no prior alcohol-related incidents at all," said Mayers. "If they have concerns about a possible problem, they can report themselves to one of the trusted self-referral agents such as the command DAPA, the CO, the XO, CMC, and the Sailor's immediate chain of command."

Mayers also said to report any alcohol or drug related incidents immediately.

CVN 77's DAPA reminds all personnel who require help with any drug or alcohol issues to not wait until they hit rock bottom. Sailors can reach out and talk to them about their concerns.

"We encourage everyone to take care of themselves and their shipmates, so that at the end of the day, everyone returns safely," said Timothy. "It benefits everyone in the long run: yourself, your family, the military, and everyone else that cares about you."

For more news from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), visit www.navy.mil/.