Renz center to offer alcohol screenings

To recognize the serious problem of alcohol abuse, April is designated as Alcohol Awareness Month.

AAM began as a way to inform the American public that alcoholism is a treatable disease, not a moral weakness, and that people who are addicted to alcohol can and do recover.

To help promote this message, Renz Addiction Counseling Center is offering free, confidential alcohol assessment screenings from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, at Two American Way, Elgin, and from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, April 12, at 309 Walnut St., St. Charles.

Some of the warning signs of alcohol abuse include: drinking to calm nerves, forget worries or boost a sad mood; guilt about drinking; 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; needing to drink increasingly greater amounts in order to achieve desired effects; and medical, social, family or financial problems caused by drinking.

For more information, call (847) 742-3545 or visit renzcenter.org.