Agriculture and Alcohol Use

Summary: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration report that approximately 20.1 million people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder related to their use of alcohol or illicit drugs. However, little is known about the prevalence of substance use in the ranching and farming community due to stigma and the lack of research in this population. This webinar will focus on the prevalence of substance use in rural areas through the results of health screening efforts in agricultural work settings.

Objectives: At the end of the webinar, participants will be able to…
1. Explain an overview of this research project focusing on alcohol use prevalence in agricultural communities.
2. Illustrate the importance of rural mental health and substance use awareness through novel screenings.
3. Design awareness strategies for rural communities regarding the importance of seeking treatment.

Intended Audience: Health care providers, health and safety professionals, Ag producers, and rural community members

Christine Chasek, PhD, LIMHP, LADC, LPC

Associate Professor and Chair of the Counseling Department, University of Nebraska - Omaha

Christine Chasek is an Associate Professor at the University of Nebraska Omaha. She has strong rural roots and teaches many behavioral health classes in a Midwestern rural University. Dr. Chasek has more than 20 years of experience practicing mental health and drug and alcohol counseling as a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor in rural areas. Dr. Chasek also serves on the Nebraska Alcohol and Drug Licensing Board and is President of the International Association of Addiction and Offender Counselors.