What is alcohol screening?

Alcohol screening is a simple, nonjudgmental way to identify people who may have a problem with alcohol use. It involves asking a few brief questions about a person's drinking habits. Alcohol screening can be done by a healthcare provider, social worker, or other trained professional.

The goals of alcohol screening are to:

* Identify people who are drinking too much alcohol and may need help.

* Raise awareness about the risks of alcohol misuse.

* Encourage people to get treatment for alcohol problems.

Alcohol screening questions may include:

* How many drinks do you typically have in a week?

* How often do you have more than four drinks (for women) or five drinks (for men) in a single sitting?

* Have you ever felt the need to cut down on your drinking?

* Have you ever felt guilty or ashamed about your drinking?

* Have you ever had problems with your job, relationships, or health because of your drinking?

* Does anyone worry about your drinking?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may have a problem with alcohol. Talk to your healthcare provider or another trusted professional for help.