Raise Alcohol Awareness with TRICARE Published April 17, 2014 By TRICARE Public Affairs LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- A glass of wine after work or a cold beer during the game can be nice in moderation, but excessive drinking can lead to more destructive behaviors. April is National Alcohol Awareness month, a great time to take a sobering look at the excessive alcohol consumption within the military community. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans define moderate alcohol consumption as having up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men. Binge drinking is generally considered having an excess of drinks at one occasion or event; that is five or more drinks at a time for men and four or more drinks for women. Excessive drinking is a form of alcohol abuse and can create a number of short- and long-term health and safety risks, such as increased risk of injuries, violence, drowning, liver disease, and some types of cancer. If alcohol is a "go-to" source of comfort when dealing with stress, boredom or loneliness, then there may be cause for concern. To help beneficiaries deal with alcohol abuse, TRICARE has an alcohol awareness program that aims to prevent alcohol misuse and/or abuse. TRICARE's "That Guy" campaign is a multi-media initiative, created specifically for the military community. That Guy encourages young enlisted personnel not to binge drink, by highlighting what's at stake when they do. Learn more about That Guy, visit: www.thatguy.com. By taking early prevention steps, and drinking responsibly, alcohol doesn't have to become a destructive force. For more information on TRICARE's alcohol awareness initiatives visit: www.tricare.mil/alcoholawareness.