A Glass Half Empty? summarises Alcohol Concern’s vision of how society can achieve a more healthy relationship with alcohol as the Government reviews its Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy and prepares for next stage. It sets out: a review of the Strategy’s effectiveness to date; the principles which should underpin any new strategy, and Alcohol Concern’s recommended aims and objectives to achieve lasting change.
To obtain a copy of the full report (£15) email info@alcoholconcern.org.uk.
Alcohol Concern’s Research Forum Report in 2002 found an inadequate level of evidence on problematic drinking in black and ethnic minority communities. Consequently much of the needs analyses for these communities has been based on poorly conducted research, small and outdated samples with significant gaps in the knowledge base. With the result that there has been little effective action taken to address existing needs.
This study aims to rectify this situation. It draws on a wide-ranging review of literature relating to black and minority ethnic groups and their use or misuse of alcohol to provide a clearer view of the issue. It also engages with alcohol services to find out what is happening on the ground.
AERC (2006) Alcohol issues and the South Asian and African Caribbean Communities
The harm caused by tobacco and the misuse of alcohol and drugs presents one of our country’s biggest health challenges. Future doctors have an important role in shaping and delivering the advice and treatment that can be offered to people with substance misuse problems. A core aim of the medical curriculum is to enable doctors to assist in prevention of substance misuse, and management of those dependent upon substances. The second core aim is to enable schools to help future and trainee doctors to be aware of the risk of substance misuse to their own health and to their professional practice and conduct. This is important not only for supporting doctors themselves and promoting their own good health, but also for promoting the proper care and protection of the public. The third aim focuses on stigma and discrimination. This is important in promoting fair and equitable access to advice and care for those with substance-related health problems.
This document is an important and positive contribution to support medical schools and to help them in delivering a strong and co-ordinated approach on substance misuse within their curricula.
Professor Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer
The latest headline figures on teenage have recently been published and show a mixed picture. While there are some encouraging signs, in that the proportion of teenagers who do not drink increased from 42% to 46% from 2005 to 2006, consumption levels among those who did drink continues to rise from 5.3 alcohol units per week in 1990 to 11.4 units in 2006. It is clear young people’s drinking continues to be an issue for concern
See Smoking , drinking and drug use among young people in England – headline figures
A key element of the Government’s Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy ( 2004) is the focus on local coordinated action to reduce the cost of alcohol to the individual and communities. A new report from the Joseph Rowntree reviews international experience of comunity-based programmes and provides recommendations for how they could be made to work in the United Kingdom. Betsy Thom and Mariana Bayley (2007) Multi-component programmes: an approach to prevention and reduction of alcohol-related harm, York, Joesph Rowntree Foundation.
