During the summer, leisure activities such as boating, camping, picnics and parties are in full swing. For some people, this can also mean an increase in the amount of alcohol they consume. While summer cocktails and drinking may be a fun reward for many people after a long week of work, it's important to know the consequences of drinking and to continually assess the role drinking plays in one's life.

If you are concerned about alcohol's impact on your life or that of someone close to you, a free self-screening is available at www.alcoholscreening.org. The website's Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is a comprehensive screening that measures not only how much alcohol a person consumes, but also the effect their drinking has on their life and those close to them. The screening examines the test taker's alcohol consumption patterns and psychological attitudes towards alcohol.

After completing the screening, the website offers an appraisal of the test taker's risk of alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence. Recommendations are given, ranging from reducing the amount of alcohol consumed to seeking professional help. The website gives consumption guidelines for healthy, moderate alcohol consumption and advice to friends and family of those who may have a problem. A special section warns teens and college students of the dangers of underage drinking and binge drinking.

E.ON U.S.'s Family Assistance Program provides confidential treatment for alcohol problems, emotional disorders, marital conflicts, parent-child family conflicts, stress and financial issues. Free assessment and counseling services are available to employees, retirees, spouses and dependent children.

To contact the FAP in the Louisville area, call (502) 451-8262 on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Outside Louisville, call toll free at 1-800-441-1327 or via e-mail at info@waynecorp.com. Emergency calls are welcome at any time.

For further information, visit the Wayne Corp. website.