Screening also helps individuals who may be at risk to recognize the dangers of alcohol abuse. At free and anonymous alcohol screenings throughout the City, participants will meet with health professionals, learn about the causes, consequences, prevention, and treatment of alcohol-related problems, and answer a written questionnaire which examines the individual's alcohol drinking patterns, attitudes and beliefs, as well the effects of factors such as stress levels and the influence of friends and family on alcohol consumption. Dr. Cohen noted that alcohol abuse can begin early, and that young people are particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol and other drugs to which alcohol often serves as a gateway. Alcohol is involved in 70 percent of violent behavior on campuses and causes some students to drop out of school. Moreover, children of alcoholics average 62 percent more hospital stays than do other children.
Services are available to the general population.