Drunk driving simulation held as Keesler observes 'Recovery Month'

Published Sept. 28, 2011
By Steve Pivnick
81st Medical Group Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Members of Keesler's alcohol and drug abuse prevention and treatment program conducted a driving-under-the-influence demonstration Sept. 15 as part of Recovery Month, observed during September.

Staff Sgt. Cecilia Cardenas, ADAPT noncommissioned officer-in-charge, explained, "Recovery Month promotes the societal benefits of treatment for substance use and mental disorders, celebrates people in recovery, lauds the contributions of treatment providers and promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible. The observance spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, that treatment is effective and people can and do recover."

As part of the observance, Cardenas and Senior Airman Dudley Callahan set up ADAPT's "drunk goggles" demonstration in the pedestrian crosswalk in front of the Keesler base exchange.

They were joined by Bill McCoy, Keesler's Army and Air Force Exchange Service loss prevention manager, who coordinated the event with the exchange.

Cardenas said the goggles replicate a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, which is legally drunk in most states.

"It simulates a decrease in reaction time, coordination, vision and alertness," she said. "As a result, participants are able to understand the dangers of getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol."

ADAPT plans to conduct the event annually during the September observance.

For more information about Recovery Month, visit http://www.recoverymonth.gov.

Drunk driving simulation held as Keesler observes ‘Recovery Month’