ALCOAST 118/18 - MAR 2018 APRIL IS ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH

R 301240 MAR 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-11//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS//N06200//
ALCOAST 118/18
COMDTNOTE 6200
SUBJ:  APRIL IS ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH
A. Coast Guard Health Promotion Manual, COMDTINST M6200.1 (series)
1. The primary objectives of the Substance Abuse Prevention program
is to increase command awareness, reduce stigma for screening and
treatment, increase help seeking behavior and encourage Coast Guard
(CG) units to focus on low risk choices when using alcohol.
2. Sexual assault, domestic violence, civil arrest, and suicidal
behaviors all have strong connections to alcohol use. The misuse
of alcohol has the potential to affect operational readiness of
our units and the health and wellness of our CG family.
3. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency (NCADD)
sponsors an Alcohol-Free Weekend (30 March thru 1 April 2018). This
activity is designed to raise awareness about the use of alcohol
and how it may be affecting CG personnel, families, and our
communities. During this 72-hour period (or any weekend that the
Command chooses), NCADD extends an open invitation to all Americans
to participate in three alcohol-free days and to use this time to
educate yourself about alcohol use disorder and its early symptoms.
More information about NCADD, underage drinking, Alcohol Awareness
Month, and Alcohol-Free Weekend is available at the NCADD website: 
https://www.ncadd.org/.
4. Each command is encouraged to have their Command Drug and
Alcohol Representative (CDAR) provide Substance Abuse Awareness
training during the month of April in coordination with district
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialists (SAPS) for each command’s
respective AOR. A list of SAPS and their contact information are
located on the following web page https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/
Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Human-Resources-CG-1/
Health-Safety-and-Work-Life-CG-11/Office-of-Work-Life-CG-111/
Substance-Abuse-Prevention-Program-SAPP-Office-of-Work-Life-CG-111/
5. Understanding your own drinking pattern is very important. Your
drinking may surprise you. A simple-to-use screening device is available
on many different websites, such as NIAAA Alcohol Screening  
https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/ this may help you
determine if your drinking pattern is risky. It is important to
understand that not all people who drink excessively are “alcoholic”
or “alcohol dependent.”
6. If you are concerned about your drinking, contact your unit CDAR,
the district SAPS, a Medical Officer, or your command for assistance.
You can also contact CG SUPRT for confidential assistance, which provides
up to 12 in-person counseling sessions each year, as well as numerous
telephonic and online support services. For assistance call 1-855-CGSUPRT
or go to www.CGSUPRT.com. 
7. RADM Erica G. Schwartz, Director, Health, Safety, and Work-Life sends. 
8. Internet release is authorized.