The unit leaders aboard MCAS Iwakuni are focused on eliminating alcohol abuse and decreasing the number of alcohol-related incidents. Combating the debilitating threat posed by alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency on Marines, sailors, and mission readiness requires a total commitment from all levels of leadership. Leaders must be alert to characteristics of alcohol abuse and with the symptoms of the disease of alcohol dependency. All leaders must not in any way promote or condone alcohol misuse.
- The speed of alcohol absorption affects the rate at which one becomes drunk. Unlike foods, alcohol does not have to be slowly digested. As a person drinks faster than the alcohol can be eliminated, the drug accumulates in the body, resulting in higher and higher levels of alcohol in the blood.
- Impairment is not determined by the type of drink, but rather by the amount of alcohol ingested over a specific period of time.
- Alcohol is society's legal, oldest and most popular drug.
- Alcohol is closely linked with violence. About 40 percent of all crimes (violent and non-violent) are committed under the influence of alcohol.
- Alcohol may encourage aggression by disrupting normal brain mechanisms that normally restrain impulsive behavior such as aggression.
DoD Worldwide Survey
|
1998 |
2002 |
| Abstainer |
19.7% |
18.8% |
| Infrequent/Light |
17.8% |
15.5% |
| Moderate |
17.3% |
16.0% |
| Moderate/Heavy |
22.7% |
22.1% |
| Heavy |
22.4% |
27.7% |
- .5 oz. Wine
- 10 oz. Wine Cooler
- 12 oz. Beer
- 1 oz. 100 Proof Hard Liquor
- 1.5 oz. 72 Proof Hard Liquor
- .02-.03%
- No loss of coordination. May experience slight “buzz” and loss of shyness. (Approximately 1 drink, DWI in Japan)
- .07-.09%
- Legally intoxicated in most states. May experience a “buzz”, slight impairment of balance, speech, vision, reaction time, and hearing. Also experience reduced judgment and self-control. Definite impairment of muscle coordination and driving skills. Increased risk of nausea and slurred speech. (Past DUI point in Japan of .05% and base cut-off of .08%)
- .13-.15%
- The “buzz” is reduced and replaced with anxiety and restlessness. Gross motor impairment, lack of physical control, blurred vision, major loss of balance, and risk of blackouts and accidents.
- .25-.29%
- May experience anxiety and restlessness, and total mental confusion. Also, needs assistance in walking, nausea, and vomiting.
- .30-.39%
- May experience loss of consciousness.
- .40% and up
- May experience onset of coma; death due to respiratory arrest.
Source: Squad/Unit Leader's Manual, Battalion Alcohol Skills Intervention Curriculum Training of Naval Health Research Center, Headquarters, United States Marine Corps.