Observe National Alcohol Screening Day in April
National Alcohol Screening Day is a day for raising awareness of the harmful effects of dependent drinking.
Events for this day provide education about and screening for alcohol dependence and abuse. Screening events also help at-risk people find treatment options.
But the day is not just for people who may have a problem with alcohol. If you know someone who has/may have a problem, you can get help learning how to help him or her.
The outreach portion of the day also helps the general public to understand that alcoholism is a real disorder. Alcoholics can’t just conquer it with willpower alone. They need treatment.
Alcohol abuse can cause all kinds of health problems, both mental and physical. Effects of alcohol abuse can include anxiety, depression, liver cirrhosis, cancer and more. Getting treatment for alcohol abuse can help lower the risk of these diseases.
National Alcohol Screening Awareness Day is held on the Thursday of the first full week of April.
The day began back in 1999. It’s a collaboration between the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
April is also Alcohol Awareness Month.
Scroll down for some ideas on observing this unofficial day.
Observing National Alcohol Screening Day
Whether you think you may have a problem, you know someone with a problem or you just want to learn more/help, there are things you can do.
Learn more about alcoholism.
If you think you may have a problem, get a free screening. The in-person events are best, but you can also find screening questionnaires online. Visit howdoyouscore.org to find a questionnaire hosted by a site near you. If your screening suggests you may need help, you’ll get referral information to find local resources.
Many colleges and universities hold lectures and seminars to help educate the public. Sessions may cover signs, effects and risk factors for alcoholism. There may also be movies and activities to help you better understand.
The events also include free screening, private counseling and help in finding on-going care.
Some companies may also hold events to help employees get discreet help.
No event in your area? Organize one. Or at least spread the word about the dangers of alcohol abuse. Get local media and officials involved. Talk to local newspapers and radio stations. Consider writing a story or going on the radio yourself if you’re comfortable doing so.
Use your preferred social media outlets to spread the word. Tweet or post about alcohol and the effects of abuse. Link to information about local Alcohol Screening Day events or additional reading about the dangers of abuse.
What will you be doing for National Alcohol Screening Day?
[…] National Alcohol Screening Day: Learn more about the dangers of alcohol dependence and where you can get help. There probably won’t be many in-person screenings this year, but there are online resources you can use. This day is for both people who may have a problem with alcohol and those who love them to learn and take action. […]