"Real World" cast member sheds light on alcohol abuse Published Nov. 1, 2007 By By Senior Airman Clinton Atkins 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- A cast member from a popluar reality TV show recently spoke with Airmen at Altus AFB about alcohol abuse. Ruthie Alcadie focused on the root causes of drinking by providing anecdotes from 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 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 by 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. "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, 97th 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 counterparts."