Tristate residents who think they or someone they know may have a drinking problem can get free anonymous screenings today at six sites.

SCREENINGS

Free screenings are being offered today at:     • Catholic Social Services, 3629 Church St., Covington. Screenings from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (859) 581-8974.     • Mental Health Association of Northern Kentucky, 605 Madison Ave., Covington. Screenings from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by appointment. Call (859) 431-1077.     • Northern Kentucky University. Call (859) 572-6640 for dates, times or an appointment.     • Thomas More College in Crestview Hills. Call (859) 344-3522 for dates, times or appointments.     • Mount Auburn Health Center, 2415 Auburn Ave., Cincinnati, and the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County will offer screenings from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today. Call Mike Tibbetts at (513) 281-7880.     • University of Cincinnati. Screenings are on the second floor of the Dr. Jeanette Taylor Multipurpose Room 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 5 to 8 p.m. in Conference Room 2601.

PROBLEM SIGNS

• Drinking to calm nerves, forget worries or boost mood.     • Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop drinking.     • Lying about or hiding drinking habits.     • Causing harm to oneself or someone else as a result of drinking.

        As part of National Alcohol Screening Day, people who think they may be among the 14 million Americans with an alcohol problem can get free education and evaluations at 2,000 sites nationally, including hospitals, alcohol and addiction centers and colleges. Local groups offering screenings today include the Mental Health Association of Northern Kentucky, Northern Kentucky University, Thomas More College, Catholic Social Services, Mount Auburn Health Center and the University of Cincinnati.

        Although many agencies offer year-round screening and counseling for alcohol and drug problems, they rely on National Alcohol Screening Day to publicize the service.

        Jill Kartisek, education director of the Mental Health Association of Northern Kentucky, said depression typically is found in the families of at least 95 percent of the people her agency screens for alcohol.

        “So many individuals with depression or anxiety use alcohol or other drugs to try to feel normal,” Ms. Kartisek said.

        “If they're willing, we'll do an anxiety or depression screening, too. It offers so much more hope; because when they've stopped drinking before, they still had these terrible feelings.”

        At Catholic Social Services in Covington, today's visitors can hear an educational presentation on alcohol problems, complete a written test, meet privately with a health professional and be referred to a treatment program if warranted.

        The Covington-based agency helps adolescents and adults of all economic backgrounds with drug and alcohol problems, said John Mallery, substance abuse services supervisor at Catholic Social Services.

        Its Substance Abuse Solutions Program is offered in 14 high schools in Kenton, Campbell, Boone and Pendleton counties.

        Often, a drinking problem is accompanied by denial, and it's up to friends or relatives to convince the individual to seek help, Mr. Mallery said.

        “Admitting that you have a problem is the hardest thing, but it's an essential first step,” he said.

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