us army: alcoholpoisoningbrief%202006-03

8/14/2019 US Army: AlcoholPoisoningBrief%202006-03

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V CORPS SAFETY, DSN 370-5673 Prepared 15 Mar 2006REINTEGRATION

V CORPS SAFETY V CORPS SAFETY



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PART IPART I(FOR LEADER INFORMATION AND REVIEW)(FOR LEADER INFORMATION AND REVIEW)



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PURPOSE: To provide awareness on high-riskPURPOSE: To provide awareness on high-risk

drinking practices that could lead to poor riskdrinking practices that could lead to poor risk

decisions, bad judgment or alcohol poisoning.decisions, bad judgment or alcohol poisoning.

CONCERN: High-risk drinking is a growingCONCERN: High-risk drinking is a growing

problem facing Soldiers returning fromproblem facing Soldiers returning fromdeployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.

HIGH-RISK DRINKING ANDHIGH-RISK DRINKING AND

ALCOHOL POISONINGALCOHOL POISONING



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Going to parties where the sole purpose is to drinkGoing to parties where the sole purpose is to drinkand get drunk.and get drunk.

Drinking games such as “chugging,” “doing shots,”Drinking games such as “chugging,” “doing shots,”

using a funnel, hose, trough or punch bowl, andusing a funnel, hose, trough or punch bowl, and“preloading”, which causes too much alcohol to be“preloading”, which causes too much alcohol to bequickly consumed on an empty stomach.quickly consumed on an empty stomach.

Driving after drinking, or riding with someone under Driving after drinking, or riding with someone under the influence.the influence.

Mixing alcohol with medications or illegal drugs.Mixing alcohol with medications or illegal drugs. Drinking while sleep deprived.Drinking while sleep deprived.

WHAT IS HIGH-RISK DRINKING?WHAT IS HIGH-RISK DRINKING?



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Some High Risk Times:Some High Risk Times:

• The first few weeks of redeployment/reintegrationThe first few weeks of redeployment/reintegration

• After major exercisesAfter major exercises

• Major sporting events (Super Bowl Sunday, World Series, etc.)Major sporting events (Super Bowl Sunday, World Series, etc.)

• Holidays and birthdays (especially 21st)Holidays and birthdays (especially 21st)

• Break ups of romantic or family relationshipsBreak ups of romantic or family relationships

• Graduations or promotionsGraduations or promotions

• Major life accomplishmentsMajor life accomplishments

HIGH RISK DRINKINGHIGH RISK DRINKING



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What causes Alcohol Poisoning?What causes Alcohol Poisoning?

• Alcohol poisoning happens when large amounts of Alcohol poisoning happens when large amounts of

alcohol are consumed in a short period of time, such asalcohol are consumed in a short period of time, such as

“doing shots”, drinking games, chugging and hazing.“doing shots”, drinking games, chugging and hazing.The body cannot process the alcohol quickly enoughThe body cannot process the alcohol quickly enough

and shuts down.and shuts down.

• When a lighter weight person tries to match a heavier When a lighter weight person tries to match a heavier weight person drink for drink.weight person drink for drink.

• Alcohol poisoning can be fatalAlcohol poisoning can be fatal!




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Tips to Prevent Alcohol PoisoningTips to Prevent Alcohol Poisoning

• Mixing drugs – Avoid mixing alcohol and drugs.Mixing drugs – Avoid mixing alcohol and drugs.

• Moderation – If you choose to drink, do so in moderation.Moderation – If you choose to drink, do so in moderation.

• Slow Down – Alcohol poisoning sometimes happens becauseSlow Down – Alcohol poisoning sometimes happens because

people drink too much in a short time period.people drink too much in a short time period.

• Eat Food – Eating while drinking reduces the chance that aEat Food – Eating while drinking reduces the chance that a

person will suffer from alcohol poisoning.person will suffer from alcohol poisoning.

• Learn First Aid – Knowing First Aid, including CPR, can help youLearn First Aid – Knowing First Aid, including CPR, can help you

deal with alcohol poisoning.deal with alcohol poisoning.




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Symptoms of Alcohol PoisoningSymptoms of Alcohol Poisoning

• Unable to wake the person with loud shouting or vigorousUnable to wake the person with loud shouting or vigorous

shaking.shaking.

• Inability of the person to stay awake for more than 2-3 minutes.Inability of the person to stay awake for more than 2-3 minutes.

• Slow, irregular breathing—fewer than 8 breaths per minute or Slow, irregular breathing—fewer than 8 breaths per minute or

10-second lapses in breathing.10-second lapses in breathing.

• Weak, very rapid, or very slow pulse.Weak, very rapid, or very slow pulse.

• Cold, clammy, pale, or bluish skin.Cold, clammy, pale, or bluish skin.

• Vomiting while passed out.Vomiting while passed out.




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What to Do If You Suspect Alcohol PoisoningWhat to Do If You Suspect Alcohol PoisoningIf someone looks like they are overdosing, act quickly and follow theseIf someone looks like they are overdosing, act quickly and follow these

steps:steps:

• Call For Help!!! (117 for Germany, 911 for USA, Staff Duty, MPs, CombatCall For Help!!! (117 for Germany, 911 for USA, Staff Duty, MPs, Combat

Life Saver, Ambulance, etc.).Life Saver, Ambulance, etc.).• Stay with the person until help arrives. Do not leave the person alone.Stay with the person until help arrives. Do not leave the person alone.

• Put the person on his/her side to prevent choking on vomit.Put the person on his/her side to prevent choking on vomit.

• Be prepared to give Emergency Medical personnel as much informationBe prepared to give Emergency Medical personnel as much information

as possible, including any drugs or medications the person may haveas possible, including any drugs or medications the person may have

taken.taken.

• DODO NOTNOT try to give the person anything to eat or drink—this could causetry to give the person anything to eat or drink—this could causechoking.choking.

• DODO NOTNOT put the person in a cold shower. They could drown, pass out or goput the person in a cold shower. They could drown, pass out or go

into shock.into shock.




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The Right Thing To Do…The Right Thing To Do…

Make conscious choices about drinking.Make conscious choices about drinking.

Some choices a Soldier might want to make are:Some choices a Soldier might want to make are: Identify a “Battle Buddy” and stay with him/her.Identify a “Battle Buddy” and stay with him/her.

Say no when I don't really want a drink.Say no when I don't really want a drink. Switch toSwitch to non-alcoholic alternativesnon-alcoholic alternatives when I reach my limit.when I reach my limit. Go home at ____ (set a time).Go home at ____ (set a time). Plan in advance for a safe way to get home. I won't drive if I've had anythingPlan in advance for a safe way to get home. I won't drive if I've had anything

to drink and I won't ride with a driver who has been drinking.to drink and I won't ride with a driver who has been drinking. Have only ____ drinks (set a limit).Have only ____ drinks (set a limit).

I won't play drinking games.I won't play drinking games. Spend a set amount of money on drinking and take only that much with me.Spend a set amount of money on drinking and take only that much with me. I won't borrow for booze.I won't borrow for booze. I won't drink out of boredom. If I'm bored I'll go home.I won't drink out of boredom. If I'm bored I'll go home.


http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/healthinfo/nav03.cfm?nav03=27633&nav02=27620&nav01=27614





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CHAINS TO TRAGEDYCHAINS TO TRAGEDYFour Alcohol Related Fatalities, Last 120 DaysFour Alcohol Related Fatalities, Last 120 Days

Recent RedeploymentRecent Redeployment – Sense of invincibility – Sense of invincibility

Family StressFamily Stress – Misunderstandings, Frustration, Intolerance – Misunderstandings, Frustration, Intolerance

Lifestyle ChangesLifestyle Changes – ETS, PCS, Retirement – ETS, PCS, Retirement

Work Related StressWork Related Stress – Office Conflicts, Anxiety, PTSD and Battlefield Stress – Office Conflicts, Anxiety, PTSD and Battlefield Stress

ReleaseRelease

Over IndulgenceOver Indulgence – Not Setting Limits, One year of Forced Abstinence Made Up – Not Setting Limits, One year of Forced Abstinence Made Up

for in One Evening. All were directly caused or influenced by alcoholfor in One Evening. All were directly caused or influenced by alcohol

consumption.consumption.

Buddy SystemBuddy System – – All of the victims had buddies from whom they becameAll of the victims had buddies from whom they became

separated.separated.

Social DrinkingSocial Drinking – Occurred around Holiday Activities or Special Events – Occurred around Holiday Activities or Special Events

All of these tragedies were preventable!!All of these tragedies were preventable!!

Common Factors:Common Factors:



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• Who are my unaccompanied Soldiers who might beWho are my unaccompanied Soldiers who might besusceptible to risky behavior because they will be alonesusceptible to risky behavior because they will be alone

during the holiday period?during the holiday period?

• Were any Soldiers exceptionally high stressed whileWere any Soldiers exceptionally high stressed while

downrange?downrange?

• What activities might your Soldiers participate in?What activities might your Soldiers participate in?• What is the personality of each Soldier? (risk taker, loner,What is the personality of each Soldier? (risk taker, loner,

calm and easy going, etc.)calm and easy going, etc.)

• Who has travel plans?Who has travel plans?

– Will any Soldier be traveling alone?Will any Soldier be traveling alone?

– How far will they travel?How far will they travel? – Is their vehicle safety inspection complete?Is their vehicle safety inspection complete?

– Has ASMIS-2 risk assessment been completed?Has ASMIS-2 risk assessment been completed?

• Who is spending time together? (Buddy system)Who is spending time together? (Buddy system)

• Who are the designated drivers?Who are the designated drivers?

RISK MANAGEMENT CONCERNSRISK MANAGEMENT CONCERNS



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Addressing the Problem: Leader’s ResponsibilityAddressing the Problem: Leader’s Responsibility Take action by talking to Soldiers about the impacts on health,Take action by talking to Soldiers about the impacts on health,

family, and career from high-risk drinking.family, and career from high-risk drinking.

Be aware of the signs of possible alcohol abuse by your SoldiersBe aware of the signs of possible alcohol abuse by your Soldiers

(e.g. reluctant to talk with you, unwilling to talk about activities with(e.g. reluctant to talk with you, unwilling to talk about activities withfriends, physical appearance, serious mood changes).friends, physical appearance, serious mood changes).

If you or one of your Soldiers is having a problem with alcohol,If you or one of your Soldiers is having a problem with alcohol,contact the Installation Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program for help.contact the Installation Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program for help.

Perform unexpected visits to the barracks to get a feel for what’sPerform unexpected visits to the barracks to get a feel for what’sgoing on.going on.

Understand your Soldiers and their intentions. What do they want toUnderstand your Soldiers and their intentions. What do they want toaccomplish when they go out on the town, etc?accomplish when they go out on the town, etc?



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• Remember - High-risk drinking causes numerous negativeRemember - High-risk drinking causes numerous negative

second-hand effects that result in sexual assault, violence, and second-hand effects that result in sexual assault, violence, and

vandalism, among other problems.vandalism, among other problems.


Addressing the Problem: Leader’s ResponsibilityAddressing the Problem: Leader’s Responsibility Build a community coalition with local establishments to refuseBuild a community coalition with local establishments to refuse

serving drinks to Soldiers that appear to be intoxicatedserving drinks to Soldiers that appear to be intoxicated

Utilize FRG’s and “Guardian Angel Programs” to curb “bingeUtilize FRG’s and “Guardian Angel Programs” to curb “binge

drinking” and help Soldiers integrate back into a normaldrinking” and help Soldiers integrate back into a normalroutineroutine

Identify “Battle Buddies”/“Designated Drivers” within theIdentify “Battle Buddies”/“Designated Drivers” within thesection to lend a helping hand when Soldiers decide to go outsection to lend a helping hand when Soldiers decide to go outfor a night on the townfor a night on the town



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• Ensure no one is left out during the holidays.Ensure no one is left out during the holidays.

• Establish the buddy system and enforce it.Establish the buddy system and enforce it.

• Evaluate each soldier for “HIGH RISK” attitudes,Evaluate each soldier for “HIGH RISK” attitudes,

fatigue, stress, etc.fatigue, stress, etc.• Complete a One-on-One review of leave plansComplete a One-on-One review of leave plans

discussing travel distance, rest plans, weather discussing travel distance, rest plans, weather

conditions, seatbelts, road speed, etc.conditions, seatbelts, road speed, etc.

•Conduct a Holiday Safety Brief Conduct a Holiday Safety Brief

• Ensure that every soldier knows how to contact youEnsure that every soldier knows how to contact you

for help when needed. (excessive drinking, accidents,for help when needed. (excessive drinking, accidents,

concern for your “Battle Buddy” or fellow soldier, etc.)concern for your “Battle Buddy” or fellow soldier, etc.)

• Reassure them that calls for help will be non-punitive.Reassure them that calls for help will be non-punitive.

LEADER’S ACTIONS WITH THEIR SOLDIERSLEADER’S ACTIONS WITH THEIR SOLDIERS



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PART I IPART I I(OAK TREE COUNSELING)(OAK TREE COUNSELING)



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The most serious consequence of consuming alcohol is a hangover.The most serious consequence of consuming alcohol is a hangover.

FALSE - The consumption of enough alcohol will cause death. This level isFALSE - The consumption of enough alcohol will cause death. This level isdependant on the individual.dependant on the individual.

Alcohol increases your sexual drive and ability.Alcohol increases your sexual drive and ability.

TRUE ANDTRUE AND FALSEFALSE - Alcohol decreases your inhibitions, which factor into an- Alcohol decreases your inhibitions, which factor into ansexual drive.sexual drive. However, alcohol decreases sexual functioning and is linkedHowever, alcohol decreases sexual functioning and is linkedwith the reduction of male hormones.with the reduction of male hormones.

Blood alcohol charts are a safe and accurate means of determining howBlood alcohol charts are a safe and accurate means of determining howmuch alcohol is circulating in your blood stream.much alcohol is circulating in your blood stream.

FALSE - Often these charts only take into account your weight and the number FALSE - Often these charts only take into account your weight and the number of drinks that you drank. These charts can be used as a guideline, but thereof drinks that you drank. These charts can be used as a guideline, but thereare no guarantees to their validity.are no guarantees to their validity.

If an intoxicated person is semiconscious, you should encourage vomiting.If an intoxicated person is semiconscious, you should encourage vomiting.FALSE - Encouraging the semiconscious person to vomit could cause chokingFALSE - Encouraging the semiconscious person to vomit could cause choking

and/or aspiration.and/or aspiration.

It is okay to put your drunk, passed out friend to bed and go back to party.It is okay to put your drunk, passed out friend to bed and go back to party.

FALSE - NEVER LEAVE AN INTOXICATED PERSON ALONE. Stay with theFALSE - NEVER LEAVE AN INTOXICATED PERSON ALONE. Stay with the

person.person.

TRUE OR FALSETRUE OR FALSE



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HIGH RISK DRINKING TRAGEDIESHIGH RISK DRINKING TRAGEDIES

In the past 4 months thereIn the past 4 months therehave beenhave been 44 alcoholalcohol

related fatalities inrelated fatalities inV Corps.V Corps.



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An NCO went out for a drink with two of hisAn NCO went out for a drink with two of his

subordinates. He was known to have familysubordinates. He was known to have family

problems. The NCO drank excessively that night butproblems. The NCO drank excessively that night but

was not known to be a hard drinker. He had thewas not known to be a hard drinker. He had thereputation of being a hard-charger and an excellentreputation of being a hard-charger and an excellent

NCO. When he went to the latrine he lost hisNCO. When he went to the latrine he lost his

balance due to his inebriation, fell down the stairs,balance due to his inebriation, fell down the stairs,

and suffered fatal head injuries. He had re-deployedand suffered fatal head injuries. He had re-deployedapproximately one month prior.approximately one month prior.

TRAGEDY #1TRAGEDY #1



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DISCUSSION OF TRAGEDY #1DISCUSSION OF TRAGEDY #1

You are the Platoon Leader/Sergeant/Platoon member of You are the Platoon Leader/Sergeant/Platoon member of a Soldier who is known to have significant familya Soldier who is known to have significant family

problems. The Soldier is the Platoon Sergeant who wentproblems. The Soldier is the Platoon Sergeant who went

out for a drink with two of his subordinates. He had re-out for a drink with two of his subordinates. He had re-

deployed approximately one month prior.deployed approximately one month prior.

As the Platoon Leader are there any concerns you mayAs the Platoon Leader are there any concerns you may

have with your Platoon Sergeant?have with your Platoon Sergeant?

How could this soldier be alive today?How could this soldier be alive today?

How could you as his battle buddy have saved his life or How could you as his battle buddy have saved his life or

protected him?protected him?

When should you call for help?When should you call for help?



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A soldier was out drinking with his buddy at a localA soldier was out drinking with his buddy at a local

bar two days before Thanksgiving. His birthday wasbar two days before Thanksgiving. His birthday was

three days prior. While his friend went to thethree days prior. While his friend went to the

restroom, the Soldier went across the street to userestroom, the Soldier went across the street to use

the telephone. At 2130, he crossed the street (not atthe telephone. At 2130, he crossed the street (not at

a crosswalk) and was struck by a speeding car. Hea crosswalk) and was struck by a speeding car. He

was wearing dark clothes which made him morewas wearing dark clothes which made him more

difficult to see. His injuries were fatal. It wasdifficult to see. His injuries were fatal. It was

determined that he had consumed only two drinksdetermined that he had consumed only two drinksand was not inebriated; however, the alcohol couldand was not inebriated; however, the alcohol could

have slowed his reaction and affected his judgment.have slowed his reaction and affected his judgment.




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You are the Platoon Sergeant/Squad Leader of a Soldier You are the Platoon Sergeant/Squad Leader of a Soldier who is being chaptered from the Army. He is spendingwho is being chaptered from the Army. He is spending

his last weekend in the Army. The soldier and a friend gohis last weekend in the Army. The soldier and a friend go

out to a bar. He is dressed in dark clothes. It is two daysout to a bar. He is dressed in dark clothes. It is two days

before Thanksgiving and he had just celebrated hisbefore Thanksgiving and he had just celebrated his

birthday three days prior.birthday three days prior.

As the Squad Leader are there any concerns you mayAs the Squad Leader are there any concerns you may

have with this soldier?have with this soldier?








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On 23 December 2005, 19 year old Soldier redeployedOn 23 December 2005, 19 year old Soldier redeployedfrom 12 month tour in support of OIF III. At approximatelyfrom 12 month tour in support of OIF III. At approximately1800 after completing Day 1 Reintegration Training on1800 after completing Day 1 Reintegration Training onChristmas Eve, the Soldier began drinking in his barracksChristmas Eve, the Soldier began drinking in his barrackswith his “Battle Buddy” and other Soldiers in his unit.with his “Battle Buddy” and other Soldiers in his unit.The group then went out drinking at two clubs andThe group then went out drinking at two clubs andreturned to the barracks at approximately 0400. Back inreturned to the barracks at approximately 0400. Back inthe barracks, the Soldier drank three shots of hard liquor the barracks, the Soldier drank three shots of hard liquor in quick succession. He then proceeded to chug thein quick succession. He then proceeded to chug theremainder of a bottle of Jack Daniels (about ¼ bottle) asremainder of a bottle of Jack Daniels (about ¼ bottle) ashis fellow Soldiers stood by encouraging him. Shortlyhis fellow Soldiers stood by encouraging him. Shortly

thereafter, he became belligerent, lost his balance, andthereafter, he became belligerent, lost his balance, andeventually passed out in his barracks room. His felloweventually passed out in his barracks room. His fellowSoldiers left him in his barracks room propped on his sideSoldiers left him in his barracks room propped on his sidearound 0830 Christmas morning. Three hours later,around 0830 Christmas morning. Three hours later,Soldier was found dead in his barracks room where heSoldier was found dead in his barracks room where hehad been left.had been left.




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You are the Platoon Sergeant/Squad Leader whose unit just You are the Platoon Sergeant/Squad Leader whose unit just

redeployed from Iraq after serving your 365 days BOG. Theredeployed from Iraq after serving your 365 days BOG. Theunit arrived in Germany on December 23rd, and had justunit arrived in Germany on December 23rd, and had just

completed its 1st ½ day of re-integration training. Due to acompleted its 1st ½ day of re-integration training. Due to a

Christmas Holiday, the unit was not scheduled for the 2ndChristmas Holiday, the unit was not scheduled for the 2nd

½ day of reintegration training until the morning of the 26th.½ day of reintegration training until the morning of the 26th. Your soldiers want to celebrate Christmas and being home. Your soldiers want to celebrate Christmas and being home.

As the Squad Leader are there any concerns you may haveAs the Squad Leader are there any concerns you may have

with the break in the re-integration schedule?with the break in the re-integration schedule?








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On New Years Eve, a Soldier was downtownOn New Years Eve, a Soldier was downtown

celebrating. He became excessively drunk and gotcelebrating. He became excessively drunk and got

separated from his buddies. In that short time, heseparated from his buddies. In that short time, he

became engaged in an altercation with Localbecame engaged in an altercation with LocalNationals, was severely beaten, and died from thoseNationals, was severely beaten, and died from those

injuries.injuries.




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You are the Platoon Sergeant/Squad leader of a group of You are the Platoon Sergeant/Squad leader of a group of

Soldiers who decide to celebrate New Years EveSoldiers who decide to celebrate New Years Eve

downtown in the local community. In order to savedowntown in the local community. In order to save

money, they “Pre-Load” so they won’t have to buy somoney, they “Pre-Load” so they won’t have to buy so

many drinks at the bar.many drinks at the bar.

As the Platoon Sergeant are there any concerns youAs the Platoon Sergeant are there any concerns you

may have with your Soldiers in this activity?may have with your Soldiers in this activity?








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Recent re-deployment, invincibilityRecent re-deployment, invincibility

Family or work related stressFamily or work related stress

Holiday or special eventHoliday or special event

Drinking of alcohol (over indulgence)Drinking of alcohol (over indulgence)

Lost connection with buddiesLost connection with buddies

BATTLE BUDDIES FAILEDBATTLE BUDDIES FAILED

COMMON FACTORS IN THESE TRAGEDIESCOMMON FACTORS IN THESE TRAGEDIES



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Points of Emphasis:Points of Emphasis:

• Don’t drink and drive!!Don’t drink and drive!!

• Know your limits!Know your limits!

• Don’t try to make up for lost drinking time!Don’t try to make up for lost drinking time!

• Don’t be afraid to call for help!Don’t be afraid to call for help!

• Be aware of your surroundings!Be aware of your surroundings!

• Always have a “Battle Buddy” and take care of eachAlways have a “Battle Buddy” and take care of each

other!other!

HIGH-RISK DRINKING ANDHIGH-RISK DRINKING AND




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