This session examines the relevance of recent advances in alcohol research to the development of local, national and international alcohol policies. Specifically, it describes the work of the Alcohol and Public Policy Project, an WHO-sponsored, international collaboration designed to bridge the gap between science and policy. The session highlights global trends in drinking problems, new findings from prevention research, and their implications for alcohol policy.
Thomas Babor will describe the history of the project, and the elements of a policy-oriented public health approach.
Raul Caetano will review "Alcohol Dependence in a Public Health Perspective," considering the prevalence of alcohol-related problems and the effects of drinking on chronic health conditions and traumatic events.
Harold Holder will examine "Alcohol Policy as an Essential Part of Community Public Health," focusing on strategies that target the physical and social contexts where drinking occurs and considering the effectiveness of local alcohol policies.
Kathryn Graham will explore "Interventions Aimed at Reducing Injury Associated with Drinking in Licensed Premises," including training, environmental interventions, enforcement of regulations, community mobilization, and patron education.
Norman Giesbrecht will assess "Educational and Persuasion Strategies in Reducing Drinking-related Harm, " reviewing interventions directed at general and specific populations such as youth, college-age groups, drinking drivers and workers.
Robin Room and Thomas Babor will discuss the changing nature of alcohol problems and policy approaches, and summarize the project's recommendations.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to: 1) provide an overview of new evidence with regard to international trends in drinking, drinking-related harm and the relative effectiveness of alcohol policies in reducing alcohol-related problems. 2) demonstrate the usefulness of a broad public-health perspective focusing on individuals, groups and special populations of drinkers, as well as the environmental and social conditions of alcohol distribution, sale and consumption. 3) describe the relevance of an evidence-based perspective in planning interventions and setting priorities in alcohol policy development.
Keywords: Public Health Policy, Alcohol Problems
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.