FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Running, kayaking, rock climbing, movies, ballgames -- there are lots of activities that don't involve drugs or alcohol, and that reminder is the purpose behind the 101 Critical Safety Days of Summer program.
"(It's) designed to get people out, but understand that part of their activities doesn't have to include drugs and alcohol," said Anthony McCollin, prevention coordinator with the Army Substance Abuse Program.
Drug- and alcohol-free activities are planned on Fort Carson throughout the summer. There will be a pool night at the Outdoor Pool Aug. 1, with free swimming, an ice cream social and a canned food drive.
"It's an opportunity for Families to get out, go swim and enjoy the night," McCollin said.
ASAP will also sponsor the Mountain Post Running Club Aug. 7, offering free items and informational handouts about the services offered through ASAP.
A confidential program is available for Soldiers with alcohol-abuse issues. Soldiers must be abusing only alcohol, not drugs, not be currently enrolled in ASAP and have no legal issues within the last 12 months.
"(We're) trying to get Soldiers to identify themselves before it becomes a legal issue, but it's also targeted to senior leaders because senior leaders tend to take care of their Soldiers during the daytime, and they neglect to take care of themselves," McCollin said.
Soldiers with drug issues can self-refer, but they need to go through their commanders first.
"If somebody thinks they're drinking too much or they're abusing drugs, come to ASAP before it becomes a legal issue, because once it becomes a legal issue, it's going to get rough," he said.
Spouses, Family members and civilians can also get help through the Employee Assistance Program at ASAP, McCollin said.
"One thing we always forget about is (Family members)," said Ed Menjivar, prevention coordinator, ASAP. "We've been very proactive for Soldiers, but we forget about (Family members), but they are part of the team. So, we need to make sure we take care of the (entire) Fort Carson community."
Helping others is an important component, McCollin said.
"When I brief, I'll ask people, 'By a show of hands, how many people know someone who has a drug or alcohol problem?' … Then I usually ask, 'So, what do you do about it? Do you turn a blind eye and let them go down the road of legal problems eventually or do you help somebody out?'
"If it was your own kids, would you want somebody to turn a blind eye or would you want somebody to put their hand on their shoulder and say, 'Hey, you need to get some help. Let's do it together,'" he said.
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