Aviano celebrates “Above the Influence” week Published Oct. 1, 2010 By Gregory Simon Aviano Drug Demand Reduction AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, T.I., Jim the Anvil, and George Michael. If you ask someone what these celebrities have in common, most people would say they have all recently been arrested for allegedly using illegal drugs. Evertett Hatcher, Thomas Devine, Wilson Shee, Marcellus Ward, and Kiki Camarena, however, are not so well known. These Drug Enforcement agents didn't get a lot of press but they were killed while undercover in the line of duty attempting to reduce the threat of illegal drugs. As part of Aviano's "Above the Influence" week celebration kickoff event, volunteers will be passing out "Above the Influence" wristbands at the gates and at the dormitories Oct. 4. The wristbands are in honor of those who gave their lives to reduce the supply of illegal drugs. For military members, wristbands are not authorized on duty, but can be worn off duty. There will be a motivational speaker at the mass briefing facility from 7 to 8 a.m. and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 5 and 7 to 8 a.m., 11 a.m. to noon and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 6. There will also be a 5K fun run and walk 11:30 a.m. Oct. 8 Dragon Fitness Center. Although less common in our military community, illegal substance abuse is still a concern, and misuse of prescription drugs is a growing problem. The "Clean out the Medicine Cabinet Week" campaign helps the Aviano community dispose of the prescription drugs that are no longer needed or have expired. Bring these medicines to local ecological recycling station marked "Medicinali Scaduti." There are numerous reasons why people take illegal drugs, however, drug-induced deaths are the second leading cause of death and have doubled in the last decade. Illegal drug abuse can sometimes be prevented by recognizing the following signs: - Shows irritability and anti-social behavior - Radical changes in behavior inducing a drop in performance or grades - Change in appearance, grooming or sleeping habits - Asks or talks about money frequently - Shows up late to work and appointments - Change in friends -Secretive behavior If you recognize some of these signs in yourself or others, please remember, help is only a phone call or a mouse click away. Resources: Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention & Treatment (ADAPT) Program: 632-5321 Adolescent Substance Abuse Counseling Service (ASACS), 6th - 12th Graders: 632-5477 Military and Family Life Consultant: Commercial 349-5666-285 Chapel: 632-5211 Military One Source: 800-342-9647 or www.militaryonesource.com Above the Influence Web site www.abovetheinfluence.com