AUSTIN, Texas—University Health Services of The University of Texas at Austin will be part of colleges and universities nationwide participating in National Alcohol Screening Day on Thursday (April 6). The day is designed to educate students about the risks of heavy drinking. University Health Services (UHS) will offer information about alcohol abuse, how to know if your drinking has become a problem, and what to do if you think a friend may have a problem with alcohol.
“It is important that students are able to recognize when their drinking has become a problem for them, and what resources are available to assist them in deciding what changes need to be made,” said Courtney Cording, coordinator of the UHS Alcohol and Drug Education program (ADEP).
Students may complete a self-scored alcohol assessment about their use, and talk one-on-one with a student alcohol and drug education peer advisor, who can give them educational information about alcohol use. Students also may set up an appointment to meet with a licensed professional to get a complete assessment on their alcohol and other drug use, and feedback on what resources are available, on and off campus, if the student is ready to make a change. This is a completely confidential, free-of-charge service that is offered by the UHS year round.
Students, who suspect their friends might have a problem with alcohol, can answer a questionnaire to determine the extent of the problem and receive information on how to help their friend or loved one with this problem.
Educational and screening material will be available on the UHS web site http://www.utexas.edu/student/health and clicking on “National Alcohol Screening Day.” There also will be materials available at tables in front of RLM on Wednesday (April 5) and Thursday (April 6) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and at the Health Promotion Resource Center in the Student Services Building.
