UB’s Research Institute on Addictions to Participate in National Alcohol Screening Day

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Alcohol problems have many faces. Could yours be one of them?

Do you question how much you're drinking? Or is the problem how someone else's drinking may be affecting your quality of life? Is alcohol use creating problems for someone you care about at work, home or school, or in dangerous situations like driving a car?

The University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions will participate in National Alcohol Screening Day on April 5 with free, confidential screening from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the institute, 1021 Main St., between North and Goodrich streets. Educational materials also will be available.

"A simple 10-item questionnaire is available to help in identifying an alcohol problem," according to Paul R. Stasiewicz, Ph.D., director of RIA's Clinical Research Center. Participants in the screening day will complete the questionnaire with one-on-one assistance from an alcoholism counselor.

"In addition, we hope to raise public awareness of alcohol-related issues, alert people to the services available in our own community and encourage some changes in behaviors that may be disrupting people's lives."

National Alcohol Screening Day will be conducted at 2,000 sites across the country, including hospitals, alcohol-treatment centers and colleges. Modeled on the very successful National Depression Screening Day, the program is aimed at helping people in a non-threatening, easily accessible way.

For more information, stop in at 1021 Main Street on April 5 or contact UB's Research Institute on Addictions between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays at 887-2387.