Alcohol screenings help students rethink how they drink
Posted: April 3, 2013From the first day of class to graduation day, pressure to perform in a graduate health professions program is high. While many students believe binge drinking is a harmless and helpful stress reliever, the effects of overindulgence can be powerful including exacerbating mood disorders, impairing memory and motivation, and increasing risky behavior.
To promote alcohol awareness, A.T. Still University Counseling Services and Learning Resources is offering students anonymous alcohol self-assessments online at http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/screening/ATSU. Students will have an opportunity to take a brief, anonymous screening that will provide them with important insight into their drinking habits and behaviors and offer treatment and referral information, if necessary.
“Many students don’t associate their drinking and stress with a mood disorder,” says Art Matthews, counselor on the Arizona Campus. “Often, they feel like drinking is a normal and acceptable way to fight stress, especially during their college years. However, in reality alcohol can make mood disorder symptoms worse. The alcohol self-assessment can help students take a step toward healthier living.”
Here are some sample screening questions for alcohol problems:
(People with alcohol problems often answer “yes” to one or more of the following questions)
Have you ever felt that you should cut down on your drinking?
Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?
If you would like to talk to an ATSU counselor for a consult or an appointment, contact:
Thom Van Vleck, MA LPC
Missouri Campus Counselor
660-626-2424
tvanvleck@atsu.edu
Art Matthews, MA LPC
Arizona Campus Counselor
480-219-6170
amatthews@atsu.edu