Having an alcoholic beverage is not uncommon among adults, civilian and military alike. But when drinking starts to affect an individual's behavior, health and lifestyle then there's a problem.

The Navy's observation of Alcohol Awareness Month includes a campaign called "Keep What You've Earned." Established in 2013, it is designed to encourage responsible drinking among Sailors by focusing on the accomplishments in their Navy careers. Naval District Washington is participating in this campaign to keep its personnel on the right track when it comes to responsible alcohol use.

"I believe that it is important to show Sailors and civilians that the Navy does not defend the stereotype of the 'drunken' Sailor," said Chief Culinary Specialist Penelope Cooper, Naval Support Activity Washington Drug and Alcohol Program advisor. "We want to educate and inform our Sailors on the importance of Keep What You've Earned. [It] is not just a slogan, it's a lifestyle. We don't condone reckless behavior. It is paramount that Sailors realize that everything they have worked so hard to achieve can be taken away in the blink of an eye because of one wrong decision."

Alcohol abuse is a nationwide problem. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report 34 percent of drinkers consume five or more alcoholic beverages in a short amount of time. Furthermore, according to a survey conducted in 2014 the number of alcoholic liver disease deaths was 18,146 and the number of alcohol-induced deaths, excluding accidents and homicides was 29,001.

Service members face unique situations many health professionals warn could lead to alcohol abuse later. Deployments, separation from loved ones, and hazardous duty are among the stressors that most personnel face. But health professionals warn against treating such stress with alcohol.

"I think one of the reasons many Sailors turn to alcohol is peer pressure," said Cooper. "People are trying to fit in or portray what they think the Navy life is like. A lot of junior Sailors (single Sailors living in the barracks) say they drink out of boredom. They feel like there's nothing else to do. That's why it's important that we offer alternatives to them via MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) and command morale boosters."

Military Pathways, a joint Department of Defense and Screening for Mental Health organization, is geared toward helping military personnel. They provide anonymous mental health and alcohol self-assessments for family members and service personnel in all branches including the National Guard and Reserve. The program is available online at www.militarymentalhealth.org and at special events held at installations worldwide.

Cooper added, every command has resources available to Sailors or concerned personnel regarding alcohol abuse including the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP) and Navy drug and alcohol counselors.

"Sailors may elect for a self-referral or the command can refer them to SARP," said Cooper.

Washington Navy Yard is scheduled to host a regional safety standdown before the summer starts in preparation of the "101 Critical Days of Summer," the period between Memorial day and Labor Day. Included will be an alcohol awareness brief in line with the "Keep What You've Earned" campaign.

For more news from Naval District Washington, visit www.navy.mil/.