Keeping parties safe

Published Dec. 14, 2012
By Capt. John Noah
42nd Medical Group

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Al -- As the holidays approach, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program encourages everyone to keep safe party practices in mind.

Those hosting a holiday party should:

· Offer your guests non-alcoholic drinks and nutritious foods.

· Monitor your guests' drinking by serving measured, standard drinks.

· Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before your party ends.

· Never serve alcohol to an intoxicated guest. Instead, offer non-alcoholic drinks, keeping in mind nothing can "sober up" a person immediately.

· Offering an intoxicated individual coffee or a cold shower will only make them more alert, not sober.

· Do not allow alcohol to become the focus of your celebration.
Those attending a party should:

· Bring your host a non-alcoholic gift everyone can enjoy.

· Take care to drink responsibly and DO NOT drive.

· As always, assign a designated driver at every holiday event you choose to attend.

If for some reason you are unable to procure a designated driver, call a taxi. Identification cardholders can call 953-AADD (2233) to get a ride from Airmen Against Drunk Driving.

You should not attempt to drive home, even after "just a few drinks."