A glass of wine with dinner improves your health, a drink before bed helps ease you to sleep, and cocktails liven up your social gatherings. Societal pressures to drink take on many forms and are promoted through many mediums. The message is clear, and it always remains the same – drinking will enhance your life, improve your relationships, and satiate your needs.

However, the message that always seems to get lost in the shuffle is that if drinking is your train to happiness, you are bound to derail and careen out of control. And when you do, you may very well be counted among the 41% of fatal car crashes that are alcohol related.

For many people, the option of drinking is ever-present. Situations where it is deemed appropriate and seemingly necessary are continually expanding. But do you really know when to put on the brakes?

In your life, when does one drink become one drink too many? What is the difference between out on the town and out of control? How can you tell if you or a loved one has a problem with alcohol? The answer is different for everyone.

Take a couple of minutes to explore the impact alcohol has on your life. Mental Health Services for Clark and Madison Counties (MHS) provides free, anonymous and confidential online alcohol screenings 24-hours-a-day. They can be accessed from the privacy of your home or office by simply clicking on the “Anonymous Screenings” button located at the left of your screen on this website.

For most adults, moderate alcohol use is equivalent to up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women and older adults. However, if you have a history of problems with drinking, are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant, are taking certain medications, or have certain medical conditions, any amount of alcohol could put you at risk for serious health complications.

Societal pressures to drink are everywhere, but they do not have to influence your decisions or ruin your life. Turn to your community Mental Health Services for information on alcohol use and abuse. Learn about the effects of alcohol on your health, the signs of risky drinking, and how to prevent serious alcohol-related problems. The sooner you start making healthy decisions, the sooner you will truly be able to start living.