The Navy strives to raise awareness and reduce the negative stigma around alcohol-related disorders, and took part in the national Alcoholic Awareness Month campaign throughout April.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) has sponsored Alcohol Awareness Month annually since 1987 to educate people about alcohol-related issues.

With this year's theme, Connecting the Dots: Opportunities for Recovery, the month of April will be filled with local, state, and national events aimed at educating people about the treatment and prevention of alcoholism, particularly among our youth, and the important role that parents can play in giving kids a better understanding of the impact that alcohol can have on their lives. Local NCADD affiliates as well as schools, colleges, churches, and countless other community organizations will sponsor a host of activities that create awareness and encourage individuals and families to get help for alcohol-related problems.

"[Alcohol awareness] should be important every month because every Sailor needs to be aware of the dangers of alcohol," said Chief Hospital Corpsman Charlena Brown, drug and alcohol program advisor (DAPA) for the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).

Being aware of the dangers of alcohol can assist Sailors in identifying that they have a problem so they can start seeking help.

"I would encourage Sailors to come see us if they think they might have a problem [with alcohol]," said Brown. "Our doors are always open and we have a ton of resources and people we can connect them with."

Sailors may hesitate to come forward with their problem for fear of the consequences.

"There is no reprisal for seeking help if you have a problem with alcohol," said Logistics Specialist 1st Class Shantell Russell, assistant command DAPA.

DAPA provides training and resources for Sailors on how to drink responsibly and be proactive in seeking help before the worst happens.

"A close friend of mine from my last command died while she was drinking and driving," said Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Michael Kirkwood from George Washington's operations department. "It affected me a lot because she lost her life over something that never should've happened."

There are programs in place to help Sailors with their problem. The Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP) is one of these programs dedicated to helping Sailors. SARP offers rehabilitative services for substance abuse or dependence.

"The Navy invests probably somewhere around $20,000 to $35,000 in each Sailor that goes to SARP," said Brown. "That's the Navy's commitment to keeping a Sailor."

The Navy provides many resources to Sailors who are struggling with alcohol-related issues. Help is always available to those who need it.

Sailors in need of help with their alcohol-related issue should contact their command DAPA or speak to a chaplain.

Join the conversation with GW online at www.facebook.com/USSGW and www.twitter.com/GW_CVN73.