NCJ Number
171408
Editor(s)
P Anderson
Date Published
1996
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This report presents papers and the European Charter on Alcohol presented at the European Conference on Health, Society, and Alcohol, the culmination of the first phase of the European Alcohol Action Plan and the launching of an effort to change public awareness and motivation for action in each country in the European Region.
Abstract
Facts on the impact of alcohol consumption on health in Europe indicate that alcohol is a dependence-producing drug associated with an increased risk of illness and death. Alcohol is also an intoxicant, and drunkenness is associated with a high risk of injury and death, both to the drinker and to others. A number of papers discuss alcohol policy in Europe as well as alcohol consumption in relation to cultural influences and market forces. Ten strategies for alcohol action are outlined. One strategy is to inform people of the consequences of alcohol consumption on health, family, and society, as well as the effective measures that can be taken to prevent or minimize harm, building broad educational program that begin in early childhood. A second strategy is to promote public, private, and working environments that are protected from accidents and violence and other negative consequences of alcohol consumption. A third strategy is to establish and enforce laws that effectively discourage drunk driving. A fourth strategy is to promote health by controlling the availability of alcoholic beverages. Other recommended strategies are to implement strict controls, ensure the accessibility of effective treatment and rehabilitation services, foster awareness of ethical and legal responsibility among those involved in the marketing or serving of alcoholic beverages, enhancing the capacity of society to deal with alcohol through the training of professionals in different sectors, supporting nongovernmental organizations and self-help movements, and the formulation of broad-based programs in member states of the European Union. Extensive graphic data on alcohol consumption and health issues in Europe are provided.