On April 11, 2016, the Counseling Center’s Alcohol and Other Drug Office will participate in National Alcohol Screening Day (NASD). Each year, thousands of colleges and community and governmental organizations participate in this day of outreach and education to raise awareness about harmful and dependent drinking behaviors and connects individuals who are at risk with treatment options.

At Illinois, screeners will be available in Illini Union Ballroom A from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 11. Students will have the opportunity to fill out the ten question Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and then have a brief conversation with a screener about their alcohol habits.

Students will receive an incentive for their participation, and Alcohol Safety Awareness Peers, Counseling Center Paraprofessionals, and members of Community Health 199 classes will be on hand to educate students about safer drinking practices, signs of alcohol poisoning, and how the University of Illinois’ Medical Amnesty and Good Samaritan policy works.

According to Counseling Center Specialist in Education Elora Orazio, screening is an effective first step to discovering alcohol misuse. She explains, “Data from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention shows that alcohol screening and brief intervention can reduce drinking by 25% per occasion in people who drink too much. This increases our opportunity for early intervention, which increases the overall chances of recovery or behavior change.” Students will receive immediate feedback about their habits, and those who have an elevated AUDIT score will be asked if they wish to speak to a counselor who is experienced in alcohol and other drug issues.