ADAPT and overcome

From celebrating a promotion, to saying goodbye before departing for a new duty station, going out for drinks is not an uncommon practice amongst military members.

As military professionals, Airmen must be aware that excessive drinking can affect more than just their health, but also their wingmen and unit’s readiness.

A helping program, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program, educates individuals on responsible drinking habits, better communication skills, as well as preventative measures that help the on-going success of patients.

This program is open to all individuals, from members who want to identify if they need help, to members who need substance abuse counseling. The program aids to build resiliency in the individual, as well as their workplace.

“Alcohol can harm other people, places or things, not just the person,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Danielle Meadows, 39th Medical Operations Squadron NCO in charge of ADAPT.

The primary focus of ADAPT is to promote readiness, health and wellness through the prevention and treatment of substance misuse and abuse. The program also aims to minimize the negative consequences towards the individual, their family and their organization.

Throughout the program, members focus on learning healthy alternatives to drinking while creating better social habits.

“We are very accommodating to core needs and the biggest thing is to have a plan,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Andrea Galeucia, 39th MDOS ADAPT program manager. “The earlier you seek treatment the better; and you’re more likely to be successful.”

With success in mind, the ADAPT program gives patients the tools to live a healthy life. This in turn makes the mission more effective and teaches Airmen resiliency skills.

“Sometimes people use alcohol to build up confidence and we want to show other ways to communicate without it,” said Meadows. “A positive attitude and a change in behavior will make it easier for success to make them at their best.”