In hopes of detecting signs and symptoms of substance use disorders such as alcoholism, April 7th has been named National Alcohol Screening Day. Detecting substance use disorders early can help lead to the best outcomes in recovery.

Many people with alcoholism do not realize how dependent they are on the substance until they either try to stop or are questioned on their use. Although drinking heavily and on a daily basis is portrayed as normal in the media, it is not. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, only half of Americans have consumed alcohol within the past month.

If you believe you may have a problem with alcohol, as yourself these questions:

• Do you lose time from work due to your drinking or drug use?
• Is drinking or drug use affecting your reputation?
• Do you crave a drink or a drug at a definite time of the day?
• Does drinking or drug use cause you difficulty in sleeping?
• Does your drinking or drug use make you careless of your family’s welfare?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, there is a definite warning that you may be an alcoholic. Visit www.seabrook.org to complete the rest of the self-test, and then contact us at (888) 223-0298 for help.