Barksdale Airmen acknowledge Alcohol Awareness Month Published April 8, 2011 By Senior Airman Allison M. Boehm 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La -- Airmen at Barksdale, home of Air Force Global Strike Command, are acknowledging April as Alcohol Awareness Month and the Department of Defense is encouraging servicemembers and their families to rethink their drinking. "Nearly 14 million Americans, one in every 13 adults, abuse alcohol or have an alcohol problem," said Staff Sgt. Brandon Woods, NCO in-charge of Barksdale's Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention Treatment program. "Fewer than 25 percent of those who need treatment get help. We have to ensure that we know what constitutes an alcohol problem and how to get help." Alcohol Awareness Month began in 1987 in an effort to educate the American public about the disease of alcoholism - that it is treatable, that it is not a moral weakness and that alcoholics are capable of recovery. ADAPT personnel are posting fliers around base in an effort to promote responsible drinking. "We have passed out information at the gates and there is also a booth located in the atrium inside the Medical Group with facts and information about alcohol," said Sergeant Woods. "We will also have a booth set up at the 5K this month to pass out water bottles and alcohol information." The ADAPT office wants Barksdale Airmen to understand that the decision to drink alcohol is theirs and if they choose to drink alcohol it has to be done responsibly, as Sergeant Woods said, "irresponsible drinking could lead to significant problems in your life." 1st Lieutenant Carrie Lucas, ADAPT program manager, also urges Airmen to seek help if they need it, Military Pathways a DoD funded program, is offering anonymous alcohol use self-assessments online at www.DrinkingIQ.org or over the phone at 877-877-3547. Sergeant Woods reminds Airmen that, "Although April is dedicated Alcohol Awareness Month, we should always be responsible when it comes to alcohol use."