Those returning from deployment at greater risk of alcohol abuse Published Oct. 29, 2009 By Sally Smith Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Office TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Being home after deployment is a time to celebrate. Alcohol may be part of that celebration. There's nothing wrong with that, but when someone drinks too much it can lead to problems. Some of the long-term health problems alcohol use can lead to include heart disease, liver damage, ulcers and death. Alcohol use has also been linked to domestic violence, dating violence, rape and suicide. These are just a few, but there are many other problems that alcohol use can cause, including making it difficult for you to meet all your responsibilities at home and at work. Therefore, returning service members may be at greater risk of abusing alcohol. They may have taken part in combat and military operation activities that could possibly result in combat/operational stress reaction. They may turn to alcohol in an attempt to relieve that stress, but alcohol will only make things worse. Be alert for signs of combat stress after you come home. Emotional and mental signs may include unusual anxiety, fear, guilt, feelings of despair or depression, irritability, unnecessary anger, flashbacks, hallucinations or poor concentration. Physical and behavioral signs of this stress are: · having trouble sleeping · pounding heart · headaches · dizziness · extreme reactions to loud noises. The good news is combat stress can be managed. But, if you have this it is very important to take a close look at your alcohol use. Ask yourself, "Am I drinking too much?" Check the following statements if they apply to you: I have more than 14 drinks per week (seven if you are a woman). I sometimes feel I should cut down on my drinking. I have tried to cut down on my drinking, but I can't. Other people have expressed concern about my drinking habits. I sometimes feel guilty about my drinking. I sometimes have a drink first thing in the morning to steady my nerves or get rid of a hangover. My drinking is causing problems with my relationships at home or work. If you checked any of the above statements, you may have a problem with alcohol. If so, consider cutting down on drinking or quitting altogether. Lastly, think before you drink. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation. This means no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. Keep track of your drinking habits by writing down the number of drinks you have, including the date and reason for drinking that day. Then set some limits by writing down, for example, "no more than ___ drinks per day and no more than ___ per week." Also, try to find healthy ways to deal with stress. Get at least 150 minutes of moderate -- or 75 minutes of vigorous -- physical activity each week. In addition, do muscle-strengthening exercises on two days and eat a variety of healthy foods. If the above things do not help, there are other ways to get assistance if you think you may have a problem with alcohol or with combat-related stress. Contact one of the following resources: · Your health-care provider · Military One Source www.militaryonesource.com 1-800-342-9647 · Tinker Mental Health Clinic 734-4393 · Tinker Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Office 739-7141 Take control of your drinking -- and your life.