Yokota adopts 0-0-1-3 program for responsible drinking

  • Published
  • By Maj. Spring Myers
  • 374th Medical Operations Squadron
Problem drinking, especially binge drinking, is a national health crisis. Research shows that some individuals start drinking at an early age.

Alcohol is a major factor, nationwide, in crimes of all types to include sexual assault, suicide, homicide, domestic violence, physical assaults, and varying vehicular accidents. Binge drinking is 10 times more likely to increase a person's potential to commit, or become a victim, of these crimes.

Therefore, creating a culture of responsible drinking is paramount to maintaining mission readiness, as well as individual wellness.

A program that began at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., founded on national research, was created utilizing the 0-0-1-3 concept.

This easily remembered slogan teaches "0" drinks if underage, the drinking age in Japan is 20; "0" drinks if driving, which would result in zero DUIs; "1" drink per hour because this is the rate that the liver can process alcohol and "3" drinks per night, maximum, to avoid binge drinking.

However, it is important to emphasize that the one drink per hour and three drinks per night is not a prescription for being able to safely drink and drive. In fact, consuming one alcoholic beverage and driving can easily equate to a DUI in Japan and a driving suspension on base.

The Air Force has adopted this campaign for individuals to adhere to. This should result in behavior changes and significantly reduce alcohol related incidents (ARIs).

Creating a culture of responsible choices will be a collaborative effort among active duty, civilians, leadership, individuals and all family members.

Communities that have adopted this way of thinking have experienced positive results.Team Yokota can easily do the same, if not better.

The Air Force goal is that all installations report a 25 percent reduction in annual ARIs. Combining this philosophy with our wingman model and 225-RIDE, we can notably reduce ARIs and make Yokota the Air Force's ultimate example of success.