One night, one choice and change a life Published Aug. 24, 2006 By Senior Airman Holly MacDonald 20th FW/PA SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C -- (Editor's note: This is the first in a DUI series.) All day at work on Friday, Airman John Doe thought about the party he was going to that night. For two weeks his friends had been planning this four-keg event where there would be a bonfire, beer pong, shots and girls. When Airman Doe got home from work he showered, changed and ate some food at the chow hall. Airman Doe called one of his friends to find out who was the designated driver. Airman Doe was disappointed to find out there wasn't enough room for him in his friend's car. "Well, I'll just meet you guys there and catch a ride back with someone," Airman Doe said. When Airman Doe arrived at the party at 9:30 p.m., it had just started. This is going to be a good night, he thought. "Five bucks a cup John," one of his friends shouted. Airman Doe paid and the drinking began. He enjoyed the night and all of the festivities. He had played two games of beer pong, filled his cup four more times and drank three shots of vodka. And to top the night off, he met a young woman, Jane, whom he had spent most of the night talking to. It was 1 a.m. "Hey John, we're leaving if you want to go with us," one of his friends said. Jane didn't want to go and Airman Doe didn't want to leave her because he thought things were going well. "No thanks. I'm going to stick around for a while," he said. I better start drinking water so I can sober up and drive home later, he thought. At around 2 a.m., Jane was ready to go home and asked if he would give her a ride. Airman Doe didn't feel drunk. Find out what Airman Doe does in next week's Shaw Spirit. Evaluating the night:Q: Does eating before drinking have an effect on becoming intoxicated? A: Eating prior to consuming alcohol can affect a person's blood alcohol content by slowing the absorption of the alcohol. Q: Are Airmen using designated drivers? A: Many people on Shaw are using designated drivers. However, sometimes people use designated drivers that have consumed alcohol and that is not safe. Q: How many drinks on average does it take a 180-pound male to become intoxicated? A: Generally, a male weighing 180 pounds would be legally intoxicated if he consumed 4 standard alcohol beverages (12-ounce beer, 5-ounce wine, 1.5-ounce liquor) in an hour. Q: Does drinking water help people "sober up?" A: The only thing that allows one to "sober up" is time. It takes at least one hour for the body to process one alcohol beverage. (Information courtesy of Tech. Sgt. Lacey Brown, Shaw Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment NCO in charge) Advice from a first sergeant "At this point, Airman Doe has a couple of options. He can call a cab, or call AADD. If those don't work he needs to start calling co-workers, friends, family -- anyone who is able to drive him home safely." "Airmen should never go out without a plan. There should be designated drivers, a place to stay or something along those lines. Never drive when you know you're going to drink." --Master Sgt. Robert Frazier, 20th Mission Support Squadron first sergeant