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| CHOICES OFFERS FREE ALCOHOL SCREENING |
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| Posted: March 14, 2007 |
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You go to the doctor and talk about your body, your diet and exercise. You talk about aches and pains, medications, and family history of heart disease. But do you talk about alcohol? Alcohol is the most widely used substance in the United States. Approximately 14 million Americans--7.4 percent of the population--meet the criteria for alcohol abuse or alcoholism, and approximately one-half of U.S. adults have had a close relative with a drinking problem. Yet, how many of us truly examine how much or how often we drink? CHOICES feels strongly that our community, like other communities across the country, needs to pay closer attention to erasing the stigma associated with alcohol and heightening knowledge about drinking's effect on our body and health. Heavy drinking raises the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, certain cancers, car crashes, unintentional injuries, violence, suicides, birth defects and overall mortality. In addition, more than 150 medications interact harmfully with alcohol. These interactions may result in increased risk of illness, injury, and even death. Over 62,000 people were screened last year for alcohol abuse. If you have questions or concerns about the way you or a family member use alcohol, call us for a free alcohol screening. It's a simple survey you take in the privacy of your own home. If you would like more information, call 552-3645.
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