Hazelden Launches Free Online Substance Abuse Screening Tool

About My Drinking provides confidential, evidence-based support for those concerned about their own or a loved one's substance abuse

CENTER CITY, Minn., May 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hazelden, the nation's largest addiction treatment provider, announces the launch of a free, evidence-based online screening tool designed to help people assess their current level of drinking or other drug use.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061128/CGTU038LOGO)

About My Drinking is an evidence-based screening and brief intervention tool available at www.hazelden.org. Individuals log on to answer 18 questions about their drinking and other drug use and receive a personalized report within minutes. The confidential report indicates the individual's level of risk and offers tailored support including referral to a Hazelden licensed addiction counselor, information on peer recovery support programs, and tools to start a self-directed Twelve Step program to address problem drinking or other drug use.

"The screening tool provides a clear snapshot of an individual's alcohol use and provides options and detailed instruction for people who want to move toward a healthier lifestyle," says Jodie Carter, electronic product manager at Hazelden.

"Of the over 20 million people who suffer with alcohol and other drug problems, only 1.8 million seek treatment," said Kris VanHoof, executive director of Media Ventures at Hazelden. "This easy and confidential tool allows anyone the opportunity to find out whether they have a problem with alcohol or other drugs. We want people to feel secure in seeking a substance use assessment, and offering this assessment online is the best way to create access for those who might not otherwise seek help or support."

Unlike other online screening tools, About My Drinking immediately offers a variety of options for individuals to reduce their harm from alcohol, and the site provides information and guidance about other drugs including marijuana, cocaine, and prescription drugs. Participants also have the ability to speak 24/7 with a Hazelden counselor about a clinical assessment or treatment options.

While the site is designed to allow individuals to self assess their alcohol or other drug use, family members and other concerned persons may complete the screening on someone else's behalf. "We believe many people will use the site to seek support for a friend or loved one," said Carter.

Visitors to the site are able to:

• Assess their current (or past) drinking patterns
• Compare their drinking with others who are the same age and gender
• Understand the difference between safe alcohol use, alcohol abuse, and alcohol dependence
• Learn more about what they can do to help a friend or loved one
• Learn about treatment and recovery options for problem use

The Publishing division of Hazelden collaborated with Evolution Health from Toronto, Canada to develop About My Drinking.

About Hazelden

Hazelden, a national nonprofit organization founded in 1949, helps people reclaim their lives from the disease of addiction. Built on decades of knowledge and experience, Hazelden offers a comprehensive approach to addiction that addresses the full range of patient, family, and professional needs, including treatment and continuing care for youth and adults, research, higher education, public education and advocacy, and publishing. It has facilities in Minnesota, Oregon, Illinois, New York, and Florida. Learn more at www.hazelden.org or call 800-257-7810.

SOURCE Hazelden

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