Program treats alcohol, drug misuse

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The Alcohol, Drug and Prevention Treatment program is designed to treat alcohol and drug misuse. The program encourages responsible drinking and helps Airmen who have problems with alcohol.

The Dover Air Force Base, Del., ADAPT team goes to base events to spread the word about the importance of being a responsible drinker. They also stress the importance of self-reporting if someone feels they may have an alcohol issue, instead of waiting for it to affect their work.

"When you get a driving under the influence charge or drinking affects your work, then seeing us becomes mandatory," said Staff Sgt. Deondra Braden, 436th Medical Operations Squadron mental health outreach noncommissioned officer in charge. "We're not out to punish people, we just want to help people by keeping them healthy."

The ADAPT team also works to keep the base informed of issues that could lead to possible abuse. Alcohol dependence is a disease, and ADAPT is there to provide help with it, said Sergeant Braden.

While ADAPT does focus on alcohol prevention they also act on the misuse of prescription and illicit drugs. The Air Force has a zero tolerance policy for drug use, and ADAPT is there to advise people on issues and treat them if the need arises.

"Recently in the local area, there have been reports that there is a rise in the use of date-rape drugs," said Sergeant Sefcik. "Dover Airmen need to practice safe alcohol consumption, and never leave their drink unattended, or with someone they don't know."

Another issue Dover Airmen need to be aware of is a new product known as AWOL.

"Alcohol without liquid, or AWOL, is appearing around the beaches," said Staff Sgt. Rouven Sefcik, 436 MDOS ADAPT noncommissioned officer in charge. "It's dangerous to your health. It's an alcohol vapor that is inhaled, which causes irreparable damage to your lungs."

The ADAPT team offers several avenues for people to become educated on alcohol and drug related issues. These include a Leadership Pathways class "Booze Control or Lose Control," a booth at each warrior run and an active part in the 101 critical days of summer. There are also plans for an Airman's Social which will offer free food and non-alcoholic beverages at the Airman's Outpost, in the Eagle Lanes Bowling Center, scheduled for April 20.

Last year, there were 11 DUI's, two underage drinking incidents, and nine positive urinalysis tests. One of the positive tests was for Spice which the Air Force is now testing for. This year, there have been three DUI's, no underage drinking incidents and one case of a positive urinalysis.

"The ADAPT program isn't about ruining people's careers," said Sergeant Sefcik. "We are here to treat the issues and misuse of alcohol and drugs that are the choices people make. ADAPT is a rehabilitation program, our job is to get people back into the fight."