In recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month in April, the clinical staff at Oneida Indian Nation Health Services are ready to provide education, support, and treatment to clients who are affected by problem drinking.

How can you tell if drinking is a problem? Start by asking yourself or your loved one the following questions:

  • Have you ever felt you needed to cut down on your drinking?
  • Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
  • Have you ever felt guilty about drinking?
  • Have you ever felt you needed a drink first thing in the morning (“eye-opener”) to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?

Answering “yes” to two or more of the above questions may be a sign that alcohol use is a problem. The medical providers at Health Services recommend that if you chose to drink, that it be in moderation. This means no more than 1-2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink a day for women. One drink can equal:

  • 12 ounces of regular beer, which is usually about 5% alcohol
  • 5 ounces of wine, which is typically about 12% alcohol
  • 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits, which is about 40% alcohol

Individuals who are ages 21 and younger, pregnant women, and those who have health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and liver disease should avoid alcohol. Also, please talk with your doctor if you take prescription or over the counter medication, as it may be dangerous to combine them with alcohol.

There is help and support available at Health Services. Our Health Services team can provide the following services to our registered clients:

  • Confidential assessments and screenings
  • DWI evaluations
  • Patient/family education
  • Referrals to inpatient, detox, and intensive outpatient treatment
  • Individual or family counseling
  • Information on AA meetings, Al-Anon meetings, and other community supports
  • Support for those who have a loved one who is using/abusing alcohol
  • Auricular Acupuncture to assist in reducing cravings for use
  • Treatment planning that is driven by the individual

For more information on how the Oneida Indian Nation Health Services can help, call (315) 829-8700 or 1-800-663-4324 and ask to speak with an available counselor or your primary care provider. We are here to help.