Alcohol and the Public Health : A Study by a Working Party of the Faculty of Public Health Medicine of the Royal Colleges of Physicians on the Prevention of Harm Related to the Use of Alcohol and Other Drugs

Alcohol consumption and alcohol-induced social and health problems are fast increasing, while 'safe' intake levels are revised downwards. Result, a resurgence of concern. This authoritative, balanced and factual book is for social workers, community nurses, health visitors, midwives, GP's, community and religious leaders, politicians, police, voluntary and action groups, schools and teachers, and, of course, those in the drinks trade. Most importantly, it applies to those at risk, their families and carers. Free from medical jargon, loaded with diagrams, graphs and tables it dissects and informs without mystifying or judging. ' ... an extremely lucid and competent piece of work.' Dr Martin Plant, Alcohol Research Group, University of Edinburgh Front Matter....Pages i-viii Introduction....Pages 1-10 How Much Do We Drink?....Pages 11-22 Medical and Psychiatric Problems Related to Alcohol Use....Pages 23-42 Alcohol and Harm to the Community....Pages 43-58 A Better-Informed Public....Pages 59-78 Control of Availability: Licensing Laws....Pages 79-94 Does Taxation Affect Consumption?....Pages 95-108 Separating Drinking and Driving....Pages 109-134 Provision of Adequate and Early Help....Pages 135-153 Local Action to Limit Harm....Pages 154-170 The Responsibility of the Alcohol Industry....Pages 171-183 Educating Doctors....Pages 184-195 Recommendations for Action....Pages 196-203 Back Matter....Pages 204-218 Examining the effect of alcohol and other drugs on the health of the public, this text documents the analysis and findings of the Faculty of Public Health Medicine Working Party. It presents measures to reduce/prevent the harmful consequences of substance abuse