Alcohol Awareness Month observed by Hanscom, military

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  • By Military Pathways
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  April is National Alcohol Awareness Month and April 10 is National Alcohol Screening Day. Military Pathways, a program of the Department of Defense, encourages service members and their families to take a free, anonymous alcohol-use self-assessment at www.DrinkingIQ.org.

"Many people erroneously believe that if they don't 'drink every day' they don't have an alcohol problem. However, determining if one has an alcohol problem is more than just the number of days he or she drinks," said Robert Ciulla, Ph.D., mobile health director for the Defense Department's National Center for Telehealth & Technology. "The anonymous self-assessments at the Drinking IQ website give individuals the opportunity to check and see if their drinking is a problem and how to get help or cut back."

Individuals answer a simple set of questions about their drinking habits, and then receive feedback as to whether their symptoms are consistent with alcohol misuse. If needed, they are provided with resources on how and where to get further evaluation.

Visitors to the site can access articles, videos, and other information that gives them tips on how to cut back on alcohol use. Several free, downloadable mobile applications for mental health are also available.

Military Pathways is run by the nonprofit Screening for Mental Health and funded by the Department of Defense with support from the National Center for Telehealth and Technology. The program reports that more than 18 million Americans have an alcohol use disorder. Alcohol use disorders, like any other medical condition, deserve to be recognized and treated.

Health care providers and military installations around the world are recognizing National Alcohol Awareness Month by holding events to educate people about alcohol use and abuse. Every alcohol awareness event is unique to the local population's needs: Some locations will have events that include engaging activities, educational brochures and screenings, while others will distribute promotional material.

At Hanscom, screening tools will be available at the check-in desk at 66th Medical Squadron clinic. Those interested may stop by the Mental Health clinic for a confidential screening, as well. Personnel seeking help with alcohol misuse may call the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program, or ADAPT, at 781-225-6392.