Altus Air Force Base News

 

MTV’s ‘Real World’ meets Altus: ‘Real World’ cast member sheds light on alcohol abuse

  • Published
  • By By Senior Airman Clinton Atkins
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
Altus Air Force Base, Okla. --  Ruthie Alcadie, MTV's 'Real World: Hawaii' cast member, recently spoke with Airmen about alcohol abuse at the Freedom Community Center. 

She focused on the root causes of drinking by providing anecdotes during her time on MTV's 'Real World: Hawaii.' She also included video clips from the popular reality show and nationwide statistics to include the use of alcohol amongst servicemembers and college students. 

Her video clips showed graphically how out of control her drinking was through footage of her coming within inches of certain death by walking out in front of a speeding car. She was also portrayed drinking to the point of alcohol poisoning and was rushed to the emergency room via ambulance. Finally, the video clips showed her drinking and driving and was directed to attend inpatient treatment for alcohol abuse. 

"Ms. Alcadie's problems are no different than the problems our own Airmen face every weekend," said Master Sgt. Paul Ahlberg, 97th Medical Group Mental Health. "She described herself as being naïve of alcohol and its effects and she used poor judgment when drinking. 

"I grew up in a very strict foster home," Ms. Alcadie said. "I remember growing up being very naïve about alcohol. Because I was not properly educated about alcohol I ended up over drinking." 

Ms. Alcadie now travels around the country as a guest speaker at various locations to help educate young people about alcohol abuse. 

"Ruthie's story is a story that we hear countless times with the Airmen that come into the Mental Health clinic for underage drinking or for a DUI," said Senior Airman Marcus Lindsey, 97 MDG Mental Health. "As I read over her speech I realized this is the best way to talk to our troops by having them hear it from someone they feel is like them versus the 'experts.' 

"Ruthie provided an exciting, new look at alcohol prevention," he said. "Even though the military is a stringent environment we still have the same problems as our civilian counter parts."