Yokota sees alcohol prevention through a different set of eyes

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katrina R. Menchaca
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Volunteers took part in an intoxicating demonstration conducted by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) program at the Yokota Community Center, here, April 13.

Yokota's ADAPT professionals demonstrated the effects of alcohol by having volunteers attempt to catch a ball while wearing Fatal Vision goggles as part of Alcohol Abuse Awareness Month.

"We brought the goggles out as a way to raise awareness in a more attractive and fun way," said Staff Sgt. Mariana Cazacu, NCO in charge of ADAPT. "We wanted to help people realize that drinking too much can greatly impair their coordination."

Fatal Vision goggles are often referred to as beer goggles because they are designed to distort a person's vision in the same way alcohol can.

Before trying on the goggles Major Norman Wright, 13th Air Force Detachment 1 Logistics action officer, said he felt confident that he would be able to catch the ball with ease.

After the demonstration, however, Maj. Wright said, "I felt like the ball should have been where my hand was but it wasn't, so I did feel like my body wasn't working like it should be."

Staff Sgt. Cazacu said this was the common response from Fatal Vision volunteers and exactly the point they were trying to make with this demonstration.

"Alcohol affects concentration, ability to judge speed, reaction time, awareness, and muscle control," said Staff Sgt. Cazacu. "These goggles help demonstrate what happens when your body and mind are not in sync due to alcohol use."

Senior Airman Hollie Crawford, 374th Medical Group laboratory technician and demonstration participant, thought the event was a good way to remind people how alcohol can impair judgment and reaction.

"For a lot of people the hard part is knowing when to say when," said Airman Crawford. "This helps you to see how alcohol impairs you and what to expect if you decide to drink."

For more information about ADAPT and the programs they offer, call 225-3566.