Screening for alcohol problems can be completed by an individual online or during routine or other medical visits. It is an inexpensive and effective way for individuals and health care professionals to identify risky drinking and help determine the appropriate level of intervention that may be neccesary. Many employers offer employees confidential screening for alcohol problems. The federal government recommends that all patients be screened for alcohol use during routine health exams, before they are prescribed medications that interact with alcohol and when they are diagnosed with other alcohol-related conditions including hypertension, depression and sleep disorders.