ASAP prevention services just a phone call away

Image by U.S. Army Korea (Historical Image Archive)
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ASAP prevention services just a phone call away

Story and photo by Lee Sae-mi
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DAEGU GARRISON — December is normally thought of as a time for holiday cheer and family gatherings. Unfortunately there is another side to the final month of the year, and it is not so glamorous.

December is also designated as National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month, in part because there are those who still must be reminded of the seriousness of alcohol impaired driving.

According to U.S. Army Garrison Daegu Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) Prevention Coordinator Jimmie Musgrow, it is important that the community is educated in the area of substance abuse.

“Alcohol is one of the major health problems throughout the world,” he said. “Prevention is a big part of our program. So, we go to any place that we can to conduct a class on substance abuse awareness. That training may include such topics as the steps in addiction, as well as how people can receive our services in the community. There is an extensive area that we want to share with our community. We want to soundly educate them on the medical, social, and psychological consequences of overindulging in alcohol”.

Musgrow said the Camp Henry ASAP intervenes and interacts with a good number of under-age drinkers. That is, individuals who are below the age of 21. It is done, he said, so that ASAP can address those specific issues as they relate to young people.

“As for Soldiers, prevention education works,” Musgrow said. “It’s often easy to see changes in a Soldier’s attitude, especially after 12 hours of awareness education. They come in with the idea that the session is for punishment. However, when they leave, they leave with something invaluable. Most importantly, they learn that they can make choices without peer pressure or any social influence. Also, when any individual comes for assistance and asks for an assessment, this information is kept private”.

Musgrow mentioned a number of factors that could lead to drug abuse.

“In the military, stress has a lot to do with drugs, alcohol in particular because it gives a sense of pleasure and relaxation. Stress from work, stress from being separated from families and also a history of accepted alcohol use can cause a person to abuse alcohol. This can especially be the case when a person is unaware of the resources he can use to cope with stress – other than alcohol.

“The biggest problem, believe it or not, comes from driving while under the influence of alcohol. Historically during the month of December, a lot of people go out to various social events, family events and alcohol will be served there. This is a big concern, and an individual should be very careful not to drink and drive. It is very important to have a designated driver, someone who is not going to consume alcohol.

“Alcohol is a problem if the individual does not drink responsibly,” said Musgrow. “ASAP arms the community with information that helps those who do use alcohol, to do so responsibly. Our goal is to prepare our service members for when they go out and indulge in the use of alcohol. Some good advice is to always have a full stomach, bring water with you, and have a buddy with you. Alcohol is a legal drug and if not used responsibly, it can and will create impairment problems.”