JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Alcohol Awareness Month is addressed every April to help reduce the stigma often associated with alcoholism and provide information about treatment to make it easier for individuals to seek help.
The 779 MDG Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Treatment Program partnered with the 779 MDG Family Advocacy office to sponsor a 5K Run/Walk for Alcohol Awareness Month and Child Abuse Awareness Month, on April 14, at 7:00 a.m., at the Joint Base Andrews West Fitness Center. Approximately 40 base members participated, many were dressed in red, the color designated for Alcohol Awareness Month. A table was set up to provide information and give-a-ways about alcoholism, and 45 individuals signed a pledge card to not drink and drive during the month of April.
The 779 MDG ADAPT Program provides assessment, education and treatment for individuals involved with substance abuse. Early intervention and short term counselling can often resolve a problem before it results in an event or incident that could jeopardize a career or even a life.
“ADAPT services help people recover from addiction and go on to live productive lives,” said Capt. Heather DeMizio, 779th Medical Group ADAPT program manager. “Seeking care is not a cause for discharge from the military, it’s a way to be mission-ready. It’s important for individuals to know that help-seeking is okay.”
At this time, ADAPT treatment is only available for active duty personnel. Dependents and retirees are seen on a space available basis. To make an appointment or get information on how to assist a family member or friend, call the ADAPT office at 240-857-8950 or 7186.
For individuals with a more severe substance abuse problem, the 779 MDG offers a state of the art Intensive Addictions Services program. Staffed with professionally trained and certified providers, IAS consists of a partial hospitalization program, over a 4-6 week period, and is one of only two programs of its kind in the Air Force.
The IAS Program is available to active duty, retirees and DOD family members and meets from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. To receive IAS services, members must obtain a referral from the ADAPT program manager, who can be reached by phone at (240) 857-8950 or 7186.
Military members from other branches of service or other bases should meet with their respective alcohol or drug program personnel, who can make a referral to the Andrews IAS by calling the Intake Coordinator at DSN: 857-8227 or commercial at (240) 857-8227.
The first step for change begins with you. Take this opportunity during Alcohol Awareness Month to call the ADAPT office for help getting started.