ABSTRACT
This paper reviews the evidence for the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of policies to reduce alcohol-related harm. Policies focus on price, marketing, availability, information and education, the drinking environment, drink-driving, and brief interventions and treatment. Although there is variability in research design and measured outcomes, evidence supports the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of policies that address affordability and marketing. An adequate reduction in temporal availability, particularly late night on-sale availability, is effective and cost-effective. Individually-directed interventions delivered to at-risk drinkers and enforced legislative measures are also effective. Providing information and education increases awareness, but is not sufficient to produce long-lasting changes in behaviour. At best, interventions enacted in and around the drinking environment lead to small reductions in acute alcohol-related harm. Overall, there is a rich evidence base to support the decisions of policy makers in implementing the most effective and cost-effective policies to reduce alcohol-related harm.
Subject(s)
Alcoholism/therapy , Cost-Benefit Analysis , England , Humans , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Screening and brief interventions form a vital plank in England's plans to reduce alcohol-related harm. This article clarifies the use of terminology in England to describe various drinking categories and screening and brief interventions. It details efforts to implement these interventions, including recent incentive packages that have been put in place to encourage primary care to implement these interventions. It describes the Screening and Intervention Programme for Sensible Drinking research program that is underway to clarify tools and methods to introduce and support these interventions.[Lavoie D. Alcohol identification and brief advice in England: A major plank in alcohol harm reduction policy.