KEEP WHAT YOU’VE EARNED

MESSAGINGLEADERSHIP

3...About the KWYE Leadership Messaging

4...Additional KWYE Resources

5...Alcohol and Physical Health and Wellness

6...Alcohol and Psychological/Behavioral Health

7...Tips for Alcohol Safety

8...Treatment for Alcohol Abuse

9...Financial Costs of Alcohol Abuse

10...Monthly Observances and Holidays

Table of Contents

2KEEP WHAT YOU’VE EARNED Campaign | LEADERSHIP MESSAGING

The Keep What You’ve Earned campaign’s mission is to encourage Sailors to adopt healthy drinking behaviors. This leadership messaging provides alcohol-related talking points for immediate supervisors (e.g., Leading Chief Petty Officers), command triads, Drug and Alcohol Program Advisors (DAPAs), Alcohol and Drug Control Officers (ADCOs) and Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) to share with Sailors at liberty briefings to help them drink responsibly. Research shows that Sailors are less likely to respond to repetitive, policy-heavy messaging about alcohol use. You can use the following messages to start a conversation with your Sailors. The messages are categorized into five topic areas that address the ways that drinking can affect areas of Total Sailor Fitness. Messaging is focused on:

• Alcohol and Physical Health and Wellness,

• Alcohol and Psychological/Behavioral Health,

• Tips for Alcohol Safety,

• Treatment for Alcohol, and

• Financial Costs of Alcohol Abuse.

All the messages are applicable year-round, but relevant health observances (awareness or advocacy weeks/months and action days) are listed after each message that indicate when the messages may be especially timely. Refer to the Monthly Observances and Holidays table for specific timing.

The messages include examples, tips, and facts to share, but feel free to alter them to fit your community.

*Note: If possible, personalize by sharing your own experiences with responsible drinking decisions, stories of the impacts of alcohol misuse (omitting identifiable information), or ways that you’ve helped others keep what they’ve earned. Research shows that personalized messaging from both peers and leaders can have a positive influence on Sailors’ willingness to engage in a desired behavior.

About the KWYE Leadership Messaging

3KEEP WHAT YOU’VE EARNED Campaign | LEADERSHIP MESSAGING

The Keep What You’ve Earned webpage has more information on the campaign, including posters, fact sheets and additional materials for download, and is available at http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/21st_Century_Sailor/NAAP/campaign_events/drinkresponsibly/Pages/default.aspx. Like NADAP on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/USN.NADAP for additional campaign tips and resources.

The campaign’s Pier Pressure mobile app features a role-playing game along with resources to help Sailors practice responsible drinking behaviors in real life, including a blood alcohol content (BAC) calculator, calorie and alcohol content calculators for various alcoholic beverages, safe drinking tips, and direct access to local taxi searches and popular ride-sharing apps. The app is available in the Apple iTunes store and Google Play store.

Additional KWYE Resources

4KEEP WHAT YOU’VE EARNED Campaign | LEADERSHIP MESSAGING

Excessive drinking affects your physical health, causing problems with the brain, heart, liver, and other organs. It can also contribute to multiple health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. These messages explain the impact that alcohol has on a Sailor’s physical health and how it can disrupt physical wellness and mission-readiness.

• Not seeing results from the gym? Drinking too much alcohol can make it harder for your body to absorb protein-building nutrients like amino acids and B vitamins. Plus, many alcoholic drinks contain high calories. Enjoy alcohol in moderation, so that you can maximize your workouts and not pack on the pounds. With the Keep What You’ve Earned campaign’s Pier Pressure mobile app, you will have a calorie counter right at your fingertips to tell you how your favorite drink stacks up. (Healthy Weight Month, Physical Fitness Month)

• Drinking too much alcohol can raise the levels of some fats in the blood and lead to high blood pressure or heart failure. Excessive drinking and binge drinking can lead to stroke and other major cardiac issues. Protect your heart health by drinking moderately. (Heart Health Month)

• Alcohol weakens your immune system, so drinking too much can make it hard to fight off colds and the flu this season. No one likes to get sick. Take care of yourself by drinking responsibly and getting 7-8 hours of sleep, so you can perform your best. (Fall and Winter Months)

• Excessive alcohol consumption can affect your sexual health by impacting your judgment, increasing risk of exposure to sexually transmitted infection. It can also interfere with hormone production and reproductive function for men and cause problems in pregnancy such as miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders for women. (Sexual Health Month, Men’s Health Month, Women’s Health Month)

• If you want to make the most of your sleep, avoid drinking alcohol within a few hours of going to bed. It may seem that alcohol helps you sleep better, but it really disrupts your sleep cycle, and it could cause you to have to get up and go to the “head” more often throughout the night. Not to mention, waking up with a hangover is never pleasant. (National Sleep Awareness Month)

Alcohol and Physical Health and Wellness

5KEEP WHAT YOU’VE EARNED Campaign | LEADERSHIP MESSAGING

Using alcohol and other substances to cope with psychological health concerns can be dangerous. Stress, depression, and anxiety may cause individuals to drink more heavily, and it can potentially lead to alcohol use disorder. These messages explain how Sailors can check in with themselves about their drinking habits and demonstrate the benefits of help-seeking for psychological health issues.

• Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is not defined by what you drink or when you drink. It’s the effects of your drinking that define the problem. Check in with yourself regularly to take an honest look at how your drinking habits may have changed and how they may be impacting your work performance, relationships or daily life. The Keep What You’ve Earned campaign’s Pier Pressure mobile app offers a quick and anonymous self-check to help you gauge your drinking and learn about treatment options. (Alcohol Awareness Month, Mental Health Month)

• Substance abuse and behavioral health are often connected. Sailors may turn to alcohol to ease feelings of stress, depression and/or anxiety, but alcohol can make these feelings worse. If you or a shipmate are struggling with a behavioral health concern you can call the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) anytime to get the help you need. (Alcohol Awareness Month, Stress Awareness Month, Mental Health Month, Suicide Prevention Month)

• If you’re feeling stressed, drinking alcohol will amplify your issues, not solve them. Instead of heading straight to the bar at the end of the day, ask a shipmate to go for a run or to come with you to the weight room. Taking care of your physical fitness will help you destress. (Alcohol Awareness Month, Stress Awareness Month, Physical Fitness Month, Mental Health Month, Suicide Prevention Month)

• Trying to function after a poor night’s sleep is a unique kind of stress and frustration. To wake up feeling refreshed and not stressed, end your drinking at least a few hours before bedtime. Drinking affects the chemical in the brain that helps you sleep, causing you to get sleepy faster. Unfortunately, it makes that chemical wear off fast, too, causing you to wake up before you’ve had enough rest. (National Sleep Awareness Month, Stress Awareness Month)

Alcohol and Psychological/Behavioral Health

6KEEP WHAT YOU’VE EARNED Campaign | LEADERSHIP MESSAGING

Binge drinking, driving under the influence of alcohol, or drinking while using certain medications can be deadly. Drinking responsibly and making sure that friends, family, or shipmates are making responsible alcohol-related decisions can help keep you and those around you safe. These messages provide tips on how to stay safe and make smart decisions when drinking.

• Drinking games seem like a fun way to unwind, but they often lead to binge drinking – or drinking too much alcohol in a short period of time. Binge drinking can cause serious conditions like alcohol poisoning, sexual dysfunction and liver disease. Whether you’re heading to a party or staying in with friends, stick to your limit and drink responsibly. The Keep What You’ve Earned campaign’s Pier Pressure app features a blood alcohol content calculator to help you make responsible decisions. (Poison Prevention Week, Alcohol Awareness Month, Navy Safety Month, Preventive Health Month)

• Mixing alcohol with any other drug, prescribed or illicit, can be toxic or decrease a medication’s effectiveness. If you are taking medicine right now, be smart and don’t drink. If the medication doesn’t affect your ability to drive, your friends would appreciate a DD, and they can return the favor when your prescription is finished and you’re feeling better. (Alcohol Awareness Month, Fall and Winter Months)

• If you’re having a party or grilling out, keep your guests safe. Offer “zero-proof” (non-alcoholic) drinks for your buddies who may not want to drink or just want to drink a bit less. Encourage them to plan ahead and find a safe ride home. Easy access to local taxis and ride-sharing services can be found in the Keep What You’ve Earned campaign’s Pier Pressure mobile app. (Sports Seasons, Super Bowl, 101 Days of Summer, Thanksgiving, Winter Holidays)

• Planning to watch the game at a friend’s? Know your limit and drink smart. Be prepared by recruiting a DD (or maybe you could be the DD for your friends). A DD should pick a day and time that works, be aware of where they’re going and who’s going, make sure they have the keys at all times, avoid alcohol completely, and, of course, have a great time! (Sports Seasons, Super Bowl)

• Alternate your alcoholic drinks with water to stay hydrated while drinking and avoid binge drinking. If you’re at a bar, try playing a game of pool or darts between drinks. Drink smart, pace yourself and take your time to stay safe. (Anytime)

Tips for Alcohol Safety

7KEEP WHAT YOU’VE EARNED Campaign | LEADERSHIP MESSAGING

Recognizing that there is a problem is the first step in overcoming an alcohol use disorder. The Navy has resources to help Sailors who may have issues with their drinking habits, and reaching out for help is encouraged. These messages discuss what Sailors can do if they recognize that they may have a problem or suspect that a shipmate may have a problem with alcohol.

• The preferred method of addressing potential or suspected alcohol use disorder is through a “self-referral.” You can start by talking to your command DAPA, Commanding Officer, medical personnel or Chaplain. By getting help early, you can address your drinking habits before they result in serious consequences. Remember, if you decide to seek help yourself or through the help of your command, neither will result in any disciplinary action. With the Pier Pressure mobile app, you can get additional information and take an anonymous self-check of your drinking habits. Find the app in the iTunes store or Google Play store. (Alcohol Awareness Month, National Alcohol Screening Day, National Recovery Month, National Substance Abuse Prevention Month)

• How much is too much? Recognizing the problem is the first step toward recovery. The Navy has many different resources to assist Sailors with alcohol issues, including ADCOs, DAPAs, Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation Program (SARP) counselors and your chain of command. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and the alternative could ruin your health and your career. (Alcohol Awareness Month, National Alcohol Screening Day, National Recovery Month, National Substance Abuse Prevention Month)

• If you think you or one of your friends may have a problem with alcohol, don’t hesitate to get them the right resources. Speak to your Command DAPA for assistance. You can also check out the the Keep What You’ve Earned webpages on Navy Alcohol Abuse Prevention’s site to know how to tell if you or a friend may be drinking too much. (Alcohol Awareness Month, National Alcohol Screening Day, National Recovery Month, National Substance Abuse Prevention Month)

Treatment for Alcohol Abuse

8KEEP WHAT YOU’VE EARNED Campaign | LEADERSHIP MESSAGING

Alcohol not only affects your health. It also affects your wallet. For Sailors to keep what they’ve earned financially, frequently buying alcohol may be something to reconsider. These messages explain the costs of alcohol, including costs associated with making bad decisions related to alcohol.

• If you’re going to drink this weekend/holiday, don’t get out of control. You could lose a significant chunk of your paycheck after just one alcohol-related incident. Plus, there are civilian fines—a typical DUI costs about $10,000 by the time you pay bail, fines, fees and insurance, even if you didn’t hit anything or hurt anybody. Keep your money in your pockets. Represent the Navy well by making responsible drinking choices. (New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day, Resolutions, St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day weekend, 101 Days of Summer, Thanksgiving)

• The average price of a beer in the United States at a bar or restaurant is $3.99. That means if you bought just 3 beers/week at a bar or restaurant you would spend more than $600 a year. Imagine what else you could do with that money. (Note: Try to personalize this message by discussing local establishments and average costs.) (Holiday Season)

• After deployment, it’s easy to blow your money on trips to bars and restaurants or on alcohol. Buying a case of beer every weekend, for example, could add up to about $1,000 in a year, which could easily be a month’s rent, a couple payments on a car, or many other more useful ways to spend your money. Treat yourself, but be responsible, too. (Anytime)

• Did you know? Consequences resulting from a DUI can include reduction in rank. If you’re a chief who’s served 14 years and your rank is reduced to first class, that’s a loss of at least $527 a month in base pay alone. Over 36 months (when you may be eligible for advancement), that’s more than $18,000 lost. You’ve earned it, don’t waste it. (Anytime)

Financial Costs of Alcohol Abuse

9KEEP WHAT YOU’VE EARNED Campaign | LEADERSHIP MESSAGING

Alcohol-related messaging can be tailored to the observances and holidays listed below.

01 JAN • New Year’s Resolutions

• Healthy Weight Month

• National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (last week of January)

02 FEB • Heart Health Month

• National Football League Super Bowl (typically first Sunday of February)

• Valentine’s Day (February 14)

03 MAR • Navy Nutrition Month

• Poison Prevention Week (third week of March)

• National Sleep Awareness Month

• St. Patrick’s Day (March 17)

04 APR • Alcohol Awareness Month

• National Alcohol Screening Day (Thursday of first full week of April)

• Stress Awareness Month

• Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

05 MAY • Mental Health Month

• Physical Fitness Month

• National Prevention Week (second week of May)

• Memorial Day (last Monday of May)

• “101 Days of Summer” (through Labor Day)

06 JUN • Men’s Health Month

07 JUL • Navy Safety Month

• Independence Day

08 AUG • Preventive Health Month

09 SEP • Labor Day (first Monday)

• National Recovery Month

• Suicide Prevention Month

10 OCT • Women’s Health Month

• National Substance Abuse Prevention Month

11 NOV • Veteran’s Day (November 11)

• Thanksgiving Day (last Thursday of November)

12 DEC • Impaired Driving Prevention Month

• Winter Holidays

Monthly Observances and Holidays

10KEEP WHAT YOU’VE EARNED Campaign | LEADERSHIP MESSAGING

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