CHD Offering Free Online Screenings for National Alcohol Screening Day

SPRINGFIELD — National Alcohol Screening Day (April 5), an initiative of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is an annual event to increase public awareness that alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency (alcoholism) are recognized disorders which can be treated. To support public awareness of this event, CHD is encouraging anyone concerned about alcohol abuse — either their own or that of a loved one — to take a free, anonymous, online alcohol screening.

A link to the alcohol screening can be found on CHD’s home page, chd.org. The screening offers one version for the general public and specialized versions for college students and members of the military, which are two demographic groups at higher-than-average risk for problems with alcohol use.

“The alcohol screening is a useful tool for self-evaluation,” said Kimberley Lee, vice president of Development for CHD. “It is completely anonymous, so it is not saved or sent to any organization, but if you are concerned with the results and want to talk, you can call (844) CHD-HELP. Our team is prepared to help persons dealing with alcohol problems by guiding them to appropriate supports such as counseling and addiction recovery services.”

According to the NIH, alcohol abuse can lead to many recognized health problems, such as anxiety and depression, as well as problems with relationships, poor performance at work, and dangerous behaviors, including drunk driving. When alcohol abuse occurs over a longer period of time, the risk increases for developing certain cancers, liver cirrhosis, high blood pressure, and heart problems.