In July 2008 I was invited give a featured presentation on Binge Drinking Reduction Strategies for military staff at the Lakenheath Royal Air Force (RAF) base located in Suffolk, England. This military base is also host to the United States Air Force (USAF) Fighter Wing 48, part of the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE).
Binge drinking is defined as 5 drinks in one hour for men and 4 drinks in one hour for women. Drinking alcohol at this rate can have serious and dangerous effects. During my presentation I discussed several approaches for combating binge drinking such as social norms, using assessments like e-chug and CAGE, the Freshmen-orientation Choices program, and safe haven strategies.
Similar to a residential college campus, military bases enroll large numbers of young men and women who are living away from home for the first time and managing the pressures to fit-in, be successful, and develop a healthy relationship with chemical substances. Unfortunately, military bases also experience the same high levels of binge drinking among its population as do college campuses.
Along with several military commanders at the base who serve as drug and alcohol unit specialists, together we outlined several innovative approaches after my presentation for alleviating this significant health problem among young people who serve in uniform as well as attend college.
Shown below is the thank you memorandum from the Flight Commander of the Health and Wellness Center at the base and a couple photos I took during a tour of the fitness facilities.
