More Americans have been turning to the Internet to get information, screening, and even intervention services aimed at problem drinking, the Wall Street Journal reported March 11.

Hundreds of thousands of people have filled out screening surveys at Join Together's free AlcoholScreening.org, for example. But that's just one of a number of sites -- both free and paid -- aimed at helping people with drinking problems. For example, Drinker's Checkup charges $25 for a 90-minute online drinking analysis and feedback. Like other sites, Drinker's Checkup is not intended for chronic alcoholics who have hit bottom, but as an early intervention tool.

"We're finding that, as with other medical conditions, it's important to catch it early," said National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism researcher Mark Willenbring.

A study published last March in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found that Drinker's Checkup helped heavy drinkers cut their alcohol consumption in half.

Other similar sites -- aimed primarily at heavy-drinking college students -- include e-CHUG.com, mystudentbody.com, and alcoholedu.com.