Thursday, April 6th, 2023, marks the 24th anniversary of National Alcohol Screening Day. At Insight Recovery Center, our alcohol addiction treatment program in North Carolina can help you get screened for alcohol misuse and offer you the treatment you need if you suffer from an alcohol use disorder. Call 828.826.1376 to speak to our team today.
What Is National Alcohol Screening Day?
Started by the National Institutes of Health in 1999, National Alcohol Screening Day is meant to increase awareness of alcohol addiction and alcohol-related problems by encouraging people to get screened for alcohol use disorder.
Thousands of facilities throughout the United States participate in National Alcohol Screening Day, helping people to learn about the impact alcohol can have in their lives.
How Is Alcohol Use Disorder Screened For?
When you visit a treatment center or screening facility on National Alcohol Screening Day, a treatment provider will perform a detailed assessment and screening procedure to help determine the impact alcohol has on your life.
Dozens of different screening tools exist, but some of the most commonly used include:
The AUDIT
The AUDIT stands for the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. This screening instrument is used widely in both addiction treatment centers and primary care settings, and it is highly accurate for identifying whether you are suffering from an alcohol use disorder.
Several variations of the AUDIT exist. The original AUDIT has ten total questions that your treatment provider will ask you, ranked on a scale from zero to four. The total of your score suggests the level of alcohol-related problems you may have:
- A score of 0 implies a total abstainer from alcohol
- Scores of 1-7 suggest low-risk alcohol use
- Scores from 8-17 suggest that your alcohol consumption is hazardous or harmful
- A score of 15 or more indicates that it is likely you have an alcohol use disorder
However, it is more common for clinicians to administer the AUDIT-C. The AUDIT-C has just three questions, also rated from zero to four. In men, scoring four or more is indicative of alcohol-related problems, while a score of just three says the same for women.
The CAGE
Another commonly used alcohol screening tool is known as the CAGE. The acronym CAGE refers to the four questions of the test, which ask if you ever:
- Feel you should Cut down on drinking
- Feel that people Annoy you about your drinking
- Feel Guilty about your drinking
- Have an Eye-opener drink (an alcoholic drink first thing in the morning)
The questions on the CAGE have simple yes or no answers. If you answer “yes” to at least two questions, it’s likely that your alcohol use has become a problem.
Do These Screening Tools Imply Addiction?
If you get a positive result from a screening tool, it’s likely that you’re suffering from an alcohol use disorder. But the screening tool alone is not enough for a diagnosis; it must be followed up by a detailed assessment from a trained mental health clinician in order for you to be diagnosed as having an alcohol use disorder.
If you are suffering from addiction, it may be difficult for you to stop drinking without the assistance of professionals. Thankfully, several evidence-based treatment options can help you overcome your alcohol use disorder and achieve lasting recovery.
Start Treatment at Insight Recovery Center Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, reach out to Insight Recovery Center at 828.826.1376 or contact us online to learn more about our extensive addiction treatment options. Our team can help you plan your next steps to achieve recovery and will be there to support you every step of the way.