One in every 13 adults suffers from alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence.
Millions more drink in ways that can place themselves or others at risk. To
help people recognize the signs of an alcohol problem and, in turn, seek help,
organizations nationwide are offering community members the opportunity to take
a free, anonymous online screening through a custom application. The online
tool – which can be branded with a logo, colors and graphics – provides
referral information for participating organization to those who score positive
on the screening.
Research indicates that screening and brief intervention – such as taking an
online self-assessment – can help resolve mild to moderate alcohol problems as
well as encourage those with more serious problems to seek treatment,” says
Douglas G. Jacobs, MD, President and CEO of Screening for Mental Health and an
associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
“Screening for alcohol use disorders is good clinical practice given the
prevalence of alcohol use disorders and the co-morbidity of alcohol problems
with other illnesses,” says Jacobs.
Other features of the online screening program include on demand utilization
reports with demographic data, a dedicated URL for people to access the
website, and assistance with promoting the program. For more information, view
a Flash presentation or take a
sample screening online.