Screening day planned to fight drinking problems

Wednesday, April 7, 2004 | 9:19 a.m.

National Alcohol Screening Day facilities in Southern Nevada:

1701 W. Charleston Blvd., Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments recommended. (702) 251-8000.

930 N. Fourth St., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday; and 401 S. Martin L. King Blvd., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday. (702) 385-2020.

901 Adams Blvd., (702) 293-4111 ext. 725, April 10 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Some would argue that fighting alcoholism in a place like Las Vegas, where the booze flows free in casinos and bars, is akin to using an umbrella in a hurricane.

Representatives of Southern Nevada social agencies and hospitals participating in National Alcohol Screening Awareness Day this week say that while Nevada's lifestyle poses a hurdle for them, alcoholism is a problem of such epidemic proportions that efforts must be made to tackle despite such obstacles.

"If you are prone to indulge, this place is a great place to live because of the free alcohol," said Allen Flagg, chief executive officer of Harmony Healthcare and a self-described recovering alcoholic who has been sober for 15 years.

"But it also is a great community for recovery because of the emphasis on awareness. Alcoholism is such a devastating disease that takes lives in various forms (disease, auto accidents, etc.). But it also is treatable. The earlier you get a screening and treatment the sooner you change your life."

According to a national study using data from 1970 to 2000, Nevada was a perennial leader in alcohol consumption per capita. In 2000, Nevada with 3.67 gallons per population 14 years and older, was second only to New Hampshire, at 4 gallons, and ahead of Washington, D.C., at 3.53 gallons.

The statistics from the report by the Alcohol Epidemiologic Data System and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, indicated Arizona consumed 2.5 gallons for each person 14 years old and older in 2000, California 2.19 gallons and Utah 1.27 gallons.

Getting the message out about the screening program in the five years Harmony has participated in the Alcohol Awareness Month event has not been easy.

"Historically, we do not get a great turnout -- about 12 people last year," Flagg said. "But saving just one life is important.

"A lot of time people do not want to do something about their problem. People don't wake up one day and say, 'I am going to get a screening.' About 50 percent of those we identify as being in need of help seek help."

The screenings are free and anonymous. A participant completes a brief screening questionnaire, watches a video and is offered educational materials.

Screening questions may include how often people drink, how many drinks people have each day and how often they have six or more drinks on a single occasion, program officials said.

Participants will be able speak one-on-one with a health professional about symptoms they or others may be experiencing. Referral lists of treatment centers also will be available.

In addition to counseling and treatment, Harmony also will give referrals to those who need help based on what they can afford, including directing the non-insured to state-funded programs and others to agencies that accept their particular insurance, said Flagg, a licensed drug and alcohol counselor.

Maurice Lee, director for adolescent and adult male services for WestCare, says the screening day event, now in its second year at his agency, helps people determine for themselves if they need help.

"It provides a vehicle to get some answers to questions for themselves or a family member," Lee said. "Many people here and elsewhere do not seek treatment unless there is a crisis or significant event that drives them toward seeking help."

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