MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (April 1, 2013) -- According to the Consolidated Substance Abuse Counseling Center, alcohol kills more than 100,000 people annually. It also plays a part in half of murders, suicides and drownings.
That is why the CSACC has launched the April Alcohol Awareness Month campaign. CSACC is working to educate and inform those across the base about the effects of alcohol by placing displays in various places around base.
“We have too many alcohol-related problems in the Marine Corps,” said Milton Young, an alcohol abuse preventative specialist. “We are trying to reduce those incidents through education and information.”
This campaign is designed to inform the community about drinking, beginning with three questions: what is a standard drink, what is binge drinking and what is low-risk drinking?
“A lot of people get in trouble because they don’t understand the standard drink or how to count their drinks,” Young said. “Everyone has their own definition of responsible drinking.”
Silbert Grant, a substance abuse counseling officer, agrees that Marines should follow drinking guidelines and drink responsibly, although the definition of responsible drinking could be subjective.
The CSACC hopes the April campaign gives a realistic definition of responsible drinking to those who they come in contact with.
“It’s OK to drink,” said Young. “If you choose to drink, be informed before you do.”
In addition to information, there are free novelties and literature, such as water bottles and pamphlets that define different alcohol problems, for all who stop at the display.
“We want everyone to stop by,” said Young. “Even those who don’t drink can help by informing others about the dangers of alcohol.”
The CSACC hopes to reach many people while its display makes stops at various places around the base such as the Naval Health Clinic Quantico, various mess halls, the Russell-Knox Building, Quantico Middle/High School, and other locations.
“We wanted to expand,” said Young. “Last year we went to six locations, and this year we have 11.”
As water bottles with alcohol-related messages pass from one hand to another, so does Young’s message of care and concern.
“If we can save the life of one person, it’s all worth it.”
Correspondent: samuel.l.ellis@usmc.mil