Each year CBHA participates in national alcohol awareness month to raise awareness of alcohol abuse and steps that can be taken to prevent it. Drinking too much alcohol increases people’s risk of injuries, violence, drowning, liver disease and some types of cancer. CBHA conducted alcohol screening exams with patients on April 7 which is the day set aside nationally to raise alcohol screening assessments. Elsie Garza is a Behavioral Health Consultant at CBHA. “Patients were asked to complete a written self-assessment about their alcohol use,” she said. “All patient information is utilized for individual consultation only and kept confidential.” Garza stressed that alcohol screening is available year round. “We have three behavioral health specialists who work with our patients and their families.”

Garza said patients are assessed on an individual basis. “We meet with the patient privately if there seems to be a problem,” she said. “We discuss the different types of follow-up care available and what type of care will work best for them. We help set up appointments, et cetera.” In some cases, it is a friend or family member of the person being screened who has an issue with alcohol. “When this happens, professional advice is given on how to approach their loved one’s problem with alcohol consumption.”

Studies conclude that alcohol abuse can lead to many recognized physical mental health problems including anxiety, depression and acute stress, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). When alcohol abuse occurs over a long period of time, there is increased risk of developing certain cancers, cirrhosis of the liver, high blood pressure, and heart conditions.

“We hear a lot about alcohol abuse among college students,” Garza said. The NIH estimates that these students, though typically not dependent on alcohol, abuse it by frequently drinking in large volumes. Excessive, often rapid, consumption of alcohol is known as “binge drinking.” A recent study revealed that 44 percent of college students interviewed had consumed over four alcoholic drinks in a drinking session, on one or more occasions within 30 days. “Tragic outcomes have occurred on campuses, some in Washington state universities, where college students have died as a result of excessive drinking,” she said. Nationally, alcohol screening kits are being provided to educational establishments to help them conduct their own screening programs and raise awareness among the student population.

CBHA’s alcohol screening written self-assessment form can be assessed on their website at cbha.org. “Please call me at 509-488-5256 for more information about the assessment form,” she said. She concluded by again stressing that all consultations are kept confidential.