Be safe when celebrating with alcohol Published Dec. 17, 2008 By Alcohol/Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- The holiday season is here and this is a time when most individuals find themselves at home or vacationing and likely to drink more alcoholic beverages than they normally would. Therefore, it is important that everyone know what they are dealing with when it comes to consuming alcohol. The National Highway Transport-ation Safety Administration reports that drunk drivers claim the lives of countless people every year, many of them in their youth. It is especially during the holiday season when people are off work and celebrating the season that drinking and driving is more likely to occur. It is very difficult for a commander to have to go to the door of an unsuspecting loved one to tell them their daughter, son or family member has been killed. It is especially hard when we know it could have been prevented. All it takes is a selfish individual without the common sense to take a cab or call Airmen Against Drunk Driving to get a ride home to turn an automobile into a killing machine. Some people don't want to make it their problem. These same people would rather not "offend" someone they know that is about to get behind the wheel and drive under the influence. But which would you rather live with: An irate friend or knowing you allowed that person to drive, resulting in an accident in which they or someone else was injured or killed as the result? The question how many drinks can you consume and still safely drive is often asked. The answer is simple, none. People absorb alcohol at different rates, determined by numerous factors including age, sex, body weight, time since last meal, etc. The only way to ensure you are not driving impaired is to avoid it altogether. Fines, jail time, loss of license and driving privileges on base, loss of rank and tarnished reputation have to weigh into the equation. It is hard to overcome the devastating effects of a DUI incident. For those who choose to drink during this holiday season, the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service's Health Division offers a few tips for responsible drinking that will likely reduce the chances of experiencing problems: Avoid drinking on an empty stomach -- having food in your stomach slows the absorption of alcohol into your blood stream. Avoid the temptation of eating salty snacks like pretzels, chips and salty nuts while consuming alcohol. Salty snacks make you thirsty and likely to drink more than usual. Drink slowly -- sip and do not gulp alcohol, it takes about one hour for your liver to metabolize or breakdown a single drink (an ounce of spirit, a 5-ounce glass of wine or a 12-ounce can of beer). The more you exceed your liver's capacity to break down alcohol, the more intoxicated you become. Space your drinks out. If drinking at a bar or a party, let time pass before you order another drink. Do not partake in a purchased round of beer if you feel your blood alcohol level is beginning to rise or, better yet, drink non-alcoholic beverages between drinks. Keep a count of the number of drinks you have consumed, the length of time between drinks and try to limit the drinking to about one drink an hour. Women and those with smaller body sizes need to drink more slowly because alcohol intoxicates them more quickly. Signs of intoxication include poor coordination or balance, slurring of speech or a slowing down of mental processes. Stop drinking when these signs are noticed. Stick to your limit -- do not allow the host or drinking friends pressure you to exceed your limit. Learn to politely say "no" to more alcohol once your limit is reached. If you are taking medications, either prescription or over-the-counter, beware that combining alcohol with medications can either reduce the effect of the medication or produce undesired effects with serious consequences. Check with your health care provider or pharmacist about the effect that alcohol might have when combined with your medications. For over-the-counter products, read the label very carefully. The Tinker Integrated Delivery System and the Alcohol/Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program are calling upon all members of the Tinker family to take personal responsibility for their safety and that of others especially on the road during this holiday season. The best safe bet is don't drink and drive. For more information, call the ADAPT program at 739-7141.