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Laughlin's ADAPT program takes steps to prevent addiction

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Blake Mize
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Laughlin's ADAPT program held an event here recently that was aimed at showing Laughlin members some alternatives to drinking alcohol in excess in social situations and to educate them on the value of moderation when they do decide to drink.

The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program hosted "Very Happy Hour" at Laughlin's Su Casa June 9.

"The purpose of "Very Happy Hour" was to expose folks to lots of different ways to relax and have fun without alcohol or with lower amounts of alcohol," said Capt. Julia Vanover, 47th Medical Operations Squadron Mental Health, the head of Laughlin's ADAPT program. "It was also to provide education about drug use and drinking, like how to pace the amount of drinks you have throughout the evening."

"It really was about showing others that you can enjoy yourself without having to drink alcohol," said Staff Sgt. Sadie Clark, 47th MDOS, who organized the event.

"Very Happy Hour" included a masseuse from Laughlin's Losano Fitness Center giving sample massages and a course of traffic cones set up by the 47th Security Forces Squadron meant to be completed in a golf cart while wearing goggles that imitate a visual feeling of being drunk. A room full of several different types of art supplies was also provided so guests of the event could participate in "art therapy".

An assortment of food and non-alcoholic drinks was furnished and representatives of Laughlin's Health and Wellness Center, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response and Drug Education for Youth programs were present to provide information about their respective programs and to give out memorabilia bearing each program's name and logo.

ADAPT is an Air Force program that provides treatment and prevention of addictions to alcohol and drugs by providing counseling and education to the Air Force community.

"ADAPT directly benefits the individuals and their families who struggle with drinking or drug abuse problems by helping them achieve their goal of full recovery," said Captain Vanover. "It also helps the Air Force community by helping to prevent addictions."

Captain Vanover added that ADAPT provides individual and group counseling to military personnel and civilians who either choose to receive treatment on their own or are referred by their supervisors. There is an ADAPT meeting every second Friday of the month at 1:30 p.m. in Laughlin's Mental Health Clinic.

"Alcoholism is a preventable and treatable disease," said Sergeant Clark. "However, we'd rather conduct prevention and education versus having to enroll people into our treatment program."

"In the military, we always have to be prepared to act a moment's notice," said Captain Vanover. "Yet, we're human beings and we can only handle so much stress. Eventually, we need to do things that help us relax and cope."