Critical Days of Summer week one: alcohol prevention

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. James Fountain
  • 17th Training Wing Safety Office
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 101 Critical Days of Summer have arrived and so has the beautiful weather to go out and enjoy it.

Each week the wing safety office will send out safety tips to Team Goodfellow members. Although the weekly tips will focus on one topic, the Goodfellow safety office community of practice website offers a lot more information for this critical time period.

It's not a surprise to see week one focus on alcohol prevention. Statistically, military members between ages 21 and 25 consume more alcohol than any other age group and are more likely to be at risk. Alcohol-related injuries are the second-leading cause of death for people under age 45. From performing a task for the first time to doing it consistently for years, it's possible to work around risks, but when alcohol is added, the outcome could turn into something altogether different.

Alcohol's damaging effects to the brain include blurred vision, slurred speech, difficulty walking, slowed reaction times and impaired memory. Heavy drinking over long periods of time may result in brain deficits lasting well after sobriety including simple "slips" in memory to permanent and debilitating conditions requiring lifetime custodial care. Even moderate drinking leads to short-term impairment that affects among other tasks, drinking and driving.

Alcohol affects everyone in different ways depending on mood, personality, physical condition and how those around you are acting. Its effects are amplified when recovering from a cold or when sleep deprived. It can also make feelings of anxiety worse and even lead to aggressive or hostile behavior.

Look for alternative activities to have fun and keep these things in mind when planning events. The wing safety office would like to see everyone enjoy summer safely.

To access the Goodfellow safety office community of practice website, go to https://www.my.af.mil/afknprod/community/views/home.aspx?Filter=OO-SE-AE-44.