McGuire ADAPT team offers holiday ‘spirits’ tips Published Dec. 14, 2006 Courtesy of the McGuire ADAPT Team MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- In an effort to help keep this holiday season a joyous one, the McGuire Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment team has launched the Arrive Alive campaign. Arrive Alive serves one goal: prevent drinking and driving by enhancing alcohol awareness. To do this, ADAPT is providing tips on hosting holiday parties, reminding members of the dangers of drinking and driving with a wrecked car display and organizing a red ribbon handout. The ribbons, which can be tied to a car's antenna or door handle, serve as another visual reminder of the responsibility we must all accept by not drinking and driving. This is not only to protect ourselves, but also those we love. The ribbon is also a way for members to honor someone they have lost in a past alcohol-related accident. There is increased traffic during the holidays, as people travel long distances to be with loved ones. It is also true that during each holiday season highways become a bit more crowded with those who have been drinking and have chosen to drive. In the U.S. alone, more than 40,000 people die on the highways each year; half of these fatalities involving the use of alcohol. The key to the anti-DUI campaign is the use of designated drivers. DDs should be established to take responsibility for getting family members, friends and co-workers home safely. Individuals hosting parties can support the campaign by inviting DDs or making sure one will be available ahead of time. Members who attend parties should arrange a ride home before leaving for the evening. Tips for hosting a successful and safe holiday get-together: * Don't rely on coffee to sober up your guests. Only time can make someone sober. * Don't rely on someone's physical appearance to determine if he or she has had too much to drink. * Mixers do not help dilute alcohol; carbonated mixers cause alcohol to be absorbed in the bloodstream more quickly. * Promote a designated driver policy before the party begins; confirm each guest has a plan to arrive home safely. * Plan party activities to engage people; engaging your guests makes for less active consumption of alcohol. * Provide hearty food items as opposed to salty snacks (which increase thirst) to prevent guests from drinking too much on an empty stomach. * Have the number of a taxi service on hand for those who may need a safe ride home. * To be a good host, remember to stay within your limits of alcohol consumption. * Have non-alcoholic alternatives available. * If, despite your best efforts, some of your guests have had too much alcohol, arrange for a ride with another guest who is sober or a taxi, or offer the guest time to sleep it off before driving home. -- Courtesy of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Web site at www.madd.org