ALCOAST 100/19 - APR 2019 APRIL IS ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH

R 011520 APR 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-11//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS//N06200//
ALCOAST 100/19
COMDTNOTE 6200
SUBJ:  APRIL IS ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH
A. Coast Guard Health Promotion Manual, COMDTINST M6200.1 (series)
1. Since the restructuring of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program in 2010, the
Coast Guard (CG) has made progress in regards to reducing the negative effects of substance abuse.
The CG became the first military service to raise its drinking age to 21. Command and Self-Referrals
have risen steadily since they became policy in 2014, and the number of individuals receiving a
substance abuse screening by a CG Medical Officer has grown each year since the restructuring. We wish
to continue on our path to wellness and responsible use of alcohol.
2. The primary objectives of the Substance Abuse Prevention program is to increase command (and fleet)
awareness, reduce stigma for screening and treatment, increase help seeking behavior and encourage CG
members to focus on low risk choices when using alcohol. The importance of this has never been greater,
especially now when national substance misuse and abuse have increased exponentially.
3. Sexual assault, domestic violence, civil arrest, and suicidal behaviors all have strong connections
to alcohol use. These concerning behaviors and the misuse of alcohol has had an effect on operational
readiness of our units and the health and wellness of our CG family.
4. National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency (NCADD) is co-sponsor of this year’s theme of
“Help for Today, Hope for Tomorrow.” One activity is the Alcohol-Free Weekend (5 April thru 7 April
2019). The activity is designed to raise awareness about the alcohol use and how it may be affecting
CG personnel, our families, and our communities. During this 72-hour period (or any weekend that
commands 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.
For more information about substance abuse, Facing Addiction, NCADD, underage drinking, Alcohol
Awareness Month, and Alcohol-Free Weekend, resources are now available at the Facing Addiction/NCADD
website: https://www.facingaddiction.org/resources/alcohol-awareness-month.
5. Per REF (A), each command is directed 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 SAPS Portal at: https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/units/hswlsc
/work-life_division/SitePages/Substance%20Abuse%20Prevention%20Program.aspx/.
6. Understanding your own drinking pattern is very important. Your drinking may surprise you. A simple-
to-use screening and anonymous device is available on many different websites, such as NIAAA Alcohol
Screening located at: 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” or go to: www.CGSUPRT.com.
7. 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 (855-247-8778) or go to:
https://www.cgsuprt.com/portal/landing.
8. RADM Dana L. Thomas, Director, Health, Safety, and Work-Life, sends.
9. Internet release is authorized.