April is Alcohol Awareness Month

Register to participate in National Alcohol Screening Day® (NASD)Thursday, April 9, 2009

Approximately four in five college students drink alcohol, and about two in five engage in binge drinking – defined as consuming five or more drinks in a row for men and four or more in a row for women- according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Binge drinking can put students at risk for many serious problems, ranging from car crashes to date rape, but even mild and moderate alcohol consumption can have harmful consequences on academic performance, social relationships and health.

Even more daunting is that although the average age of alcohol dependence onset was 22.5 years, the average age of first treatment was 29.8, allowing almost an eight year span of untreated illness. Similarly, the average age of alcohol abuse onset was 21.9 years, and the average age of first treatment was 32.1 years, differing by ten years.

To recognize Alcohol Awareness Month in April, the CollegeResponse® team encourages you to register for NASD. On April 9, 2009, more than 400 colleges nationwide will be raising awareness of alcohol use disorders among college students. By registering for NASD, either using the in-person event kit, or the online screening program, you will help reduce the stigma surrounding alcohol use disorders on college campuses, and help connect students to the treatment resources they need.

The NASD online screening module allows you to offer a free, anonymous online alcohol screening that students can take at any time. The program includes a customized welcome message and referral, directing students to the appropriate health resources at your university or college. You can also generate detailed utilization reports and graphs, and take advantage of the NASD Facebook ad campaign, that directs students to your school’s online screening.

If you register by April 15th, you can have unlimited NASD online screenings through August 31st  for the prorated price of $41.65. Register online for the customized online screening or download a registration form.

Interested in holding an in-person event on National Alcohol Screening Day, April 9th? To receive your materials before the 9th, please contact our office.

For further information regarding the NASD program or if you are already registered and need help promoting your event, please contact the College Response team at: 781-239-0071 or college@mentalhealthscreening.org.



© 2010 Screening for Mental Health, Inc.