Work hard, play hard’ doesn’t mean drink hard Published Sept. 14, 2009 By Senior Airman Amber Zupke 21st Aerospace Medicine Squadron PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- "Work hard, play hard" is a motto most Airmen practice. Although we work hard to accomplish the mission, we also like to play hard. However, working hard and playing hard doesn't translate to drinking hard. Alcohol contains ethanol, and ethanol is a depressant, which means it slows the function of the central nervous system. Ethanol actually blocks some of the messages trying to get to the brain. Once a person's alcohol consumption exceeds the body's ability to metabolize ethanol, the symptoms of intoxication appear. These symptoms alter a person's perceptions, emotions, movement, vision and hearing. Although alcohol can be harmful to your body, alcohol can be beneficial when used in moderation. Red wine and dark beers specifically contain physiochemical, plant chemicals shown to decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and Type 2 diabetes. It is important to note, however, that these benefits are from drinking only one alcoholic beverage per day. Despite the benefits of moderate use, the risks of alcohol abuse are much more numerous and harmful. Excessive alcohol consumption contributes to five of the 10 leading causes of death in North America. Some risks associated with alcohol abuse include increased risk of cancer, obesity, alcoholism, poor fetal health and poor sleep quality. Also, don't forget about the damage to your liver or liver cirrhosis; the loss of liver function. We should all understand the inherent risks that alcohol poses when used immoderately while understanding that we are obligated to uphold Air Force Core Values even while under the influence. While drinking alcohol might sound like a good idea, there are safer ways to enjoy yourself. Remember to always have a game plan to get home safely and most importantly, don't drink and drive! A few years ago, F.E. Warren AFB implemented the 0-0-1-3 concept which is now practiced Air Force wide. - 0 tolerances for underage drinking - 0 tolerance for alcohol related incidents - 1 drink per hour - 3 drinks per 24 hours So, the next time you decide to drink - if you decide to drink - be an example and not the Airman at Wing Stand-Up explaining their recent arrest for driving under the influence. Ultimately you do not have to drink to have a good time.