If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Military Crisis Line at 988 and press 1, or Text 838255. You can also call 911.
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Observances and Events

View information and resources that support alcohol awareness and education related observances as well as upcoming events where you can catch the Own Your Limits team.

Observances

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month 2023 –December is an important time to remind Service members of the risks around impaired or intoxicated driving and emphasize how to drink responsibly. In support of National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, professionals can use Own Your Limits resources to equip Service members with strategies to help them always make it home safely after drinking.

  • Ready-to-use messaging. Complement your local efforts, plan of the day (POD)/plan of the week (POW) notes, newsletter articles, email communications, and more, with these ready-to-use messages and resources:
    • Practice safe driving. One of the best ways to keep the roads safe is to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol. Even if you think you’re OK to drive after consuming one or two drinks, it’s not worth the risk (or the hefty DUI cost!). Learn your limits so you can make informed decisions next time you go out drinking. Remember, driving buzzed IS driving drunk.
    • Make a plan and stick to it. Don’t forget to have a plan for the journey home. Choose a designated driver (DD) beforehand or use a rideshare app to get back safely. You can go the extra mile (pun intended!) and opt to be the DD yourself to make sure you and your buddies don’t drink and drive. Make sure to hang on to the keys and steer clear of alcohol if you’re the DD!
    • Say no to FOMO (fear of missing out!). Peer pressure can be difficult to navigate, but don’t let that put you in a dangerous position on the road. If your buddies invite you to a setting where alcohol will be involved, remind yourself of the ways to embrace self-control, especially if you’re planning to drive. Say no to alcoholic drinks, have a mocktail [PDF 848KB] instead of a cocktail or leave early. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
  • Campaign videos. Check out and share the campaign videos, such as Drinking Too Much: How Alcohol Affects Your Brain and Body, to complement your efforts in helping Service members understand the importance of responsible drinking.
  • Order free campaign materials. Order free campaign print and promotional materials in bulk to share with Service members.

Alcohol Awareness Month April – Every April, the Military Health System and Military Services observe Alcohol Awareness Month, an annual health campaign that aims to increase awareness about the risks of alcohol misuse. Use this opportunity to encourage Service members to drink responsibly (if they choose to drink) and take steps now to protect their health, career and relationships. See how you can use the following Own Your Limits resources in your local efforts and inspire Service members to commit to drinking responsibly leading up to Alcohol Awareness Month:

Dry January 2023 – Encouraging Service members to make more responsible drinking decisions in 2023? Dry January, a 31-day challenge where participants take a timeout from drinking, is a great place to start! This popular challenge can help Service members think about taking a break from drinking and possibly inspire a longer-term commitment to responsible drinking in the new year.

  • Ready-to-use messaging. These ready-to-use messages and resources can complement your local efforts like plan of the day (POD)/plan of the week (POW) notes, newsletter articles, email communications, and more.
    • Hit pause. Taking a break from drinking doesn’t have to mean giving up alcohol for months on end. Not drinking for just 30 days can have major benefits. Time your break during Dry January when people all over the world are hitting pause with you.
    • Track your progress. Need a visual aid to help you track your alcohol-free days? Check out the 31 Days Without Alcohol activity sheet [PDF 831KB] and check off progress as you go. You can also share your progress using this social media graphic for extra motivation and support!
    • Start small. Not ready to commit to Dry January? No problem. Start small by setting new goals, like cutting back on the number of drinks you have each week and see the positive effects (especially on your wallet and sleep!). Check out these tips for cutting back so you can hit the ground running in the new year.
  • Engage with Own Your Limits and others who are participating in Dry January on social media. Promote the campaign’s social media channels during Dry January. #OwnYourLimits

Events

  • Coming soon!
RELATED CONTENT
For Professionals
Ready-to-Use Presentation

Download the Ready-to-Use Presentation for Professionals to highlight the Own Your Limits campaign at trainings, briefings and other forums.

For Professionals
Own Your Limits Campaign Resources

Own Your Limits offers various materials to promote the campaign, its resources and tools, and to help Service members drink responsibly.

For Professionals
Quarterly e-Newsletter

Sign up for our quarterly e-Newsletter for updates on the Own Your Limits campaign and valuable resources, such as sample messages and talking points, to help you encourage and empower Service members to drink responsibly.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Military Crisis Line at 988 and press 1, or Text 838255. You can also call 911.