Responsible drinking reduces chances of accidents Published June 6, 2015 By Tinker Alcohol/Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Memorial Day marked the unofficial beginning of summer. Tinker is in full swing with the new Quest for Zero Campaign, a year-round program designed for Airmen in all career fields to raise awareness of the different hazards they face every day, at work and at home. Historically, the Air Force suffers its highest numbers of injuries and fatalities during summertime. One contributing factor to this trend is the consumption of alcohol at parties, picnics, outdoor sporting events or at the lake. Because of that it is important for everyone to keep in mind the effects of alcohol use. The Tinker Alcohol/Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program is not here to say that such gatherings should be off limits, or even to discourage people from enjoying themselves at a barbecue or a softball game. What they would like to impress on people is the importance of responsibly enjoying themselves. The National Highway Transport-ation Safety Administration reports that drunk drivers claim the lives of more than 30,000 people each year. Fatalities are especially common during the holidays and summer season. It is always difficult for a commander to have to inform someone that their loved one has been killed; it is even more difficult when it could have been prevented. All it takes to turn an automobile into a killing machine is an individual who failed to take proper preventative measures such as calling a cab, a friend or Airmen Against Drunk Driving for a ride home. Having a good Wingman can help reduce the number of driving under the influence incidents. However, what the Tinker ADAPT staff commonly hears from people they assess is that they do not intervene and take the keys away from a friend or acquaintance because they do not want to "offend" that person or make it their problem. Unfortunately, there might not be a second chance to redo what should have been done in the first place. Getting behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or any substance must be avoided at all times. Years ago, there was a story which epitomizes what a Wingman should do when in this type of situation. Several individuals were at a friend's home barbecuing, socializing and drinking. When it came time for people to leave, designated drivers were assigned and all went smoothly. There was, however, one individual who became stubborn while under the influence of alcohol. The individual did not want to ride home and insisted on driving home. The friends did all they could to persuade the individual to stay, call their spouse to come get them or have someone drive them home as originally planned. The person declined all these offers and demanded their keys. Rather than start an argument, the Wingman consented to returning the keys if the individual agreed to stay a little while longer to drink some coffee and eat a sandwich. The individual consented and while some friends kept the person company, others went about fixing the individual coffee and sandwich while another person called his first sergeant, who came to pick the individual up and drive him home. When ADAPT staff hear the comment, "I didn't prevent them from driving while under the influence because I did not want to 'offend' them," they typically ask the person an important question: Which would you rather live with, an irate friend or the guilt, shame and sadness of knowing you allowed that person to drive and someone else was injured or killed as a result? The answer is always the same. They say "I'd rather they never speak to me again if I prevented them or someone else from getting hurt." People absorb alcohol at different rates which is determined by numerous factors including age, sex, body weight or time since their last meal. The only way to guarantee you are not driving impaired is to avoid alcohol altogether. Abstinence is the only way to guarantee avoiding the devastating effects of a DUI incident, which can be hard to overcome. For those who chose to drink during this summer season, the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service-Health Division offers a few tips for responsible drinking that will likely reduce the chances of experiencing problems: 1. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach. Having food in the stomach slows the absorption of alcohol into the blood stream. Avoid the temptation of eating salty snacks like pretzels, chips and nuts while consuming alcohol. Salty snacks make people thirstier and likely to drink more. 2. Drink slowly. Sip, do not gulp alcohol. It takes about one-and-a-half to two hours for your liver to metabolize or breakdown a single drink (one shot, a 5-ounce glass of wine or a 12-ounce can of beer). The more a person exceeds their liver's capacity to break down alcohol, the more drunk they become. 3. Space out the drinks. If drinking at a bar or a party, let time pass before ordering another drink. Skip a round if you feel your blood alcohol level is beginning to rise or drink non-alcoholic beverages in between drinks. 4. Keep 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 per hour. Women and those with smaller body sizes need to drink more slowly because alcohol intoxicates them quicker. Signs of intoxication may include poor coordination or balance, slurring of speech or a slowing down of mental processes. Stop drinking when these signs are noticed. 5. 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 you have reached your limit. 6. 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 potential 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. 7. For those hosting parties, be prepared to arrange for a ride home for guests if necessary or invite them to spend the night. The Tinker Integrated Delivery System committee and the ADAPT staff 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 summer season. Have a plan in place if you are going to consume alcohol. If you have questions or concerns, call the ADAPT program at 582-6605. Always carry your A2D2 card and call the number -- 820-4444 -- if needed.