Thinking About Drinking?

It's April, which means it's Alcohol Awareness Month. So, why not give an online screening a shot?

Have you ever wondered how much is “too much” when it comes to alcohol use?  Most American adults drink alcohol at some level, and a moderate amount of alcohol consumption is safe (and sometimes even healthy) for many.  But, excessive alcohol use is also a major cause of disease, injuries, violent crime, lost productivity, social issues, and relationship problems.  Many people who have developed a problem with alcohol, or others who may be at risk to develop one, don’t even realize that they have a problem.

Complicating this issue is that many people never really have honest conversations about the amount of alcohol that they use.  Alcohol use is so pervasive in American culture (we’re not kidding here -- almost 90% of American adults report that they have drunk alcohol in their lifetime, 70% report that they have drunk in the past year, and 56% report that they have drunk in the past month) that we often don’t stop to consider that there are low-risk and high-risk drinking behaviors. 

So, how do you know when you’re drinking in the “moderate amount” range, and are at a fairly low risk for drinking concerns; or if you’ve slipped into the realm of “excessive amount” where your risk for alcohol-related problems is high?

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, making this the perfect time to ask yourself questions like:

  • Is the way I drink harming my health in any way?
  • How much do other people my age drink?
  • What is the level of alcohol use that is less risky?
  • How do I reduce my risk of developing alcohol-related problems?  
  • Should I cut down on my drinking?   If so, how?

If you are curious about the amount of alcohol that you use, or about the impact that your relationship with alcohol has on your life, you can take a free and confidential screening test online right now: 

  • AlcoholScreening.org helps individuals assess their own alcohol consumption patterns to determine if their drinking is likely to be harming their health or increasing their risk for future harm. Through education and referral, the site urges those whose drinking is harmful or hazardous to take positive action, and informs all adults who consume alcohol about guidelines and caveats for lower-risk drinking.
  • HowDoYouScore.org is an anonymous screening tool meant to help raise awareness about harmful and dependent drinking behaviors and connects individuals who are at risk with treatment options.  It comes from Screening for Mental Health, Inc, and is associated with National Alcohol Screening Day on April 6th.

If, after taking one of these screenings you think that you might have a problem with alcohol, please know that there is help available for you right now.  You can check out our list of resources, or contact the MSU Employee Assistance Program if you are an employee at Michigan State University to have a discussion with a licensed professional.

Related Articles

Thinking About Drinking?

Dependency

If you drink too much for too long, you can become dependent, or physically addicted, to alcohol.

Thinking About Drinking?

Risks to Psychological Health & Appearance

Drinking over the recommended limits can increase the risk to your psychological well-being.

Thinking About Drinking?

Immediate & Long Term Health Risks

Drinking over the recommended limits can have immediate as well as long term health risks.

More ANDI Articles

Find a Class

Browse all courses

Search Health4U


Food and Nutrition Counseling Services

Food and Nutrition Counseling Services provides you with access to accurate health and lifestyle information, helping you to explore new behaviors and skills, and identifying useful campus and community resources.

MSU community members eligible for food and nutrition counseling services include faculty, staff, graduate assistants, retirees and the spouses/partners of members of these groups.

To schedule an appointment with Health4U you are not required to email us from your MSU email address; please email us from the email address you are most comfortable with. 

Read More

Departmental Services

The goal of department based services is to provide work units and colleagues the opportunity to learn about health and wellness as a group activity or exploration.  

Read More

Health e-Guide

This guide has been discontinued and is no longer viewable.

Visit Health e-Guide