Social responses to public health problems are influenced by vested interests, public opinion, ideology, resource allocation, secular change and scientific information. These responses range from those focusing on the individual to those addressing the social environments and contexts of drug promotion, distribution and consumption. Policies have a special potential as well as presenting unique challenges in reducing drug-related harm. This round-table session will focus on recent experiences with regard to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Thomas Greenfield will speak about alcohol, Roberta Ferrence about tobacco, and Richard Clayton about other drugs. Each presenter will draw together a scientific perspective with recommendations for good practice and policy. Comments on emerging trends or patterns with regard to drug-related harm will provide the basis for remarks about what policies have been, or would be, most effective in curtailing this harm. The presenters will comment on challenges faced in implementing these policies. The presentations will be followed by a discussion among panel members about common and divergent themes across drugs, and questions and comments from the audience. Norman Giesbrecht, as the session moderator, will introduce the session.
Learning Objectives: To draw out the implications of recent science for social policies pertaining to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. To identify challenges in implementing policies that have potential for reducing drug-related harm. To examine common and divergent themes with regard to recent policy experiences pertaining to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
Keywords: Epidemiology, Policy/Policy Development