Alcoholism affects more than 15 million adults in the United States. It takes a toll not only on the body and mind, but also on families, finances, careers, safety, and much more. However, not everyone who drinks has a drinking problem. There are many people who can have a beer or glass of wine with dinner and be perfectly fine. Others have trouble controlling their drinking and it becomes problematic. But they do not always realize when they have crossed this line.
Since 1999, the first Thursday of the first full week of April has been designated National Alcohol Screening Day (NASD). This day is devoted to raising awareness not only about alcoholism and problematic drinking, but also receiving the help necessary for recovery. Addiction treatment can be a life-changing (and life-saving) endeavor.
The Benefits of Alcohol Screenings
Over the years, thousands of organizations have joined forces to participate in National Alcohol Screening Day. There are sites throughout the United States where people can stop by to fill out a short questionnaire and talk to someone about their concerns. There are also a variety of resources online for free screenings.
Often the people who take these screenings are the ones questioning whether they may have a problem. By answering a few simple questions, they can receive insight into whether their drinking is or may be problematic. This can be a motivator to talk to their doctor, therapist, or a trusted individual about getting treatment.
Alcohol screenings also raise awareness about safe and unsafe drinking. They can be a conversation starter for families to begin talking about making healthy choices and the dangers of alcohol. Give children the opportunity to ask questions and have them answered honestly and truthfully. If parents don’t have the answers, it’s a great time to look them up together and continue the conversation.
Screenings are available online, so they can be done completely anonymously. People who are curious about the impact of their drinking habits can take a screening in the privacy of their own home or wherever they feel comfortable. Realizing that drinking is becoming risky or heading toward alcoholism can be a wake-up call to make changes. People can be able to cut back on drinking on their own or get support in doing so before alcohol addiction develops.
If signs of addiction are present, the person can talk to a healthcare provider about options for treatment. They can be referred to an addiction treatment facility such as Crossroads for residential or outpatient care, or be connected with someone who can help them locate these resources. Knowing that they have support and people who are willing to guide them in getting the help they need can be encouraging.
NASD can also be a prime time to discuss concerns regarding drinking within the family and commit to making positive changes. Everyone can work together to make healthier choices, find better ways to reduce stress and cope with problems, and manage drinking. If problems do exist, family members can support one another in entering treatment and committing to recovery in order to become the best version of themselves. Crossroads supports clients in remembering who they wanted to be and developing personalized treatment plans that align with their unique needs and goals.
Alcohol screenings can save lives and raise awareness. Alcoholism and problematic drinking are major issues in the United States that affect millions of people’s lives, regardless of whether they are the ones drinking. Early detection can lead to effective treatment and lasting recovery. There is help available and recovery is possible. Crossroads offers comprehensive treatment for individuals struggling with alcoholism abuse and other substance use disorders and helps them to build a brighter future in sobriety.
[cta]If you’re concerned about your or a loved one’s drinking, contact Crossroads today to learn more about treatment options.[/cta]
