The Center for Trauma & Injury Prevention Research at UC Irvine School of Medicine has developed several programs aimed at preventing injury and trauma.
The Computerized Alcohol Screening and Intervention (CASI) helps identify at–risk and dependent drinkers. It provides important information to healthcare workers, who can take action to help individuals who could benefit from a brief intervention.
CASI was developed by CTIPR through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety. The goal is to create a behavioral change within the community regarding alcohol use. Research has shown that alcohol screening and intervention is effective in decreasing the chances of a person suffering a repeat injury. It also improves outcomes for patients with multiple medical issues.
The UC Irvine Health Emergency Department has performed screening and brief intervention using CASI since 2006.
CASI screening has also been implemented throughout inpatient units and has been expanded to include other trauma centers in Orange County and throughout California:
- Mission Hospital Trauma Program, Mission Viejo
- Kern Medical Center, Bakersfield
- Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto
- UC Irvine Outreach Clinic
Program brochures are available in English and Spanish:
Adolescent CASI
CTIPR is developing a new version of CASI for adolescents. This version includes three different screenings and provides adolescents with specific advice on alcohol and drug use.
At-risk Drinking Program
You do not have to be an alcoholic for alcohol to put you at risk for injury or illness. You are considered an at-risk drinker if your drinking has reached a point where you are in danger of causing physical, psychological or social harm.
While at-risk drinkers may not be considered dependent drinkers or alcoholics, they are more likely to drive after drinking and are also at greater risk of causing serious alcohol-related injury or illness.
For every U.S. adult who is considered a dependent drinker, there are six more adults who are at risk of experiencing problems from their drinking—including injuries that require the services of a trauma center.
At-risk drinking levels are:
- Men: More than 14 drinks per week or more than four drinks in one day
- Women: More than seven drinks per week or more than three drinks in one day
- Age 65 and older: More than seven drinks per week or more than three drinks in one day
No amount of alcohol is safe when you are driving. Your crash risk goes up, even with small amounts.
No amount of alcohol is safe if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
Medications and medical or mental conditions may increase risk.
Strategies and tips when drinking
- If you drink, do not drive. Never ride with a driver who has been drinking.
- Before you drink, plan ahead. Have a designated driver before you go out, or arrange for a sober ride home. Always know how you’re going to get home. Carry cab money and phone numbers.
- Drink responsibly and set your limit before you begin drinking. Consume no more than one drink per hour. Drink nonalcoholic beverages between alcoholic drinks to slow the rate of consumption.
- Do not mix alcohol with other drugs, including over-the-counter, prescription and illegal drugs.
- Leave any drinking situation that is out of control.
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The Computerized Alcohol Screening and Intervention (CASI) is a program developed by the Center for Trauma & Injury Prevention Research at UC Irvine School of Medicine. It is designed to identify individuals who are at risk or dependent on alcohol and provide them with a brief intervention.
CASI provides crucial information to healthcare workers, enabling them to take action and assist individuals who could benefit from a brief intervention. The goal of CASI is to create a behavioral change within the community regarding alcohol use1.
Research has shown that alcohol screening and intervention is effective in decreasing the chances of a person suffering a repeat injury. It also improves outcomes for patients with multiple medical issues1.
The UC Irvine Health Emergency Department has been using CASI for screening and brief intervention since 20061. CASI screening has also been implemented throughout inpatient units and has been expanded to include other trauma centers in Orange County and throughout California1.
In addition to the adult version, a new version of CASI for adolescents is being developed. This version includes three different screenings and provides adolescents with specific advice on alcohol and drug use.
CASI is a significant tool in the field of substance use assessment and intervention, contributing to the prevention of alcohol-related injuries and illnesses.