Research in the United States and other western countries has shown that drinking-related problems can be reduced through the strategic use of alcohol policies, including those which impact access to alcohol and it's promotion and distribution. Many recent initiatives at local, state and federal levels build on this research, and seek to implement effective prevention measures, including efforts to raise alcohol taxes, reduce high density of liquor outlets, promote counter-advertising, and reduce the level and type of advertising of alcohol oriented to youth. This presentation has three goals: (1) summarize research on the relative effectiveness of different prevention strategies; (2) provide an analysis -- based on a study of US federal developments in alcohol policy over 10 years -- of why some initiatives fail and others succeed; and, (3) interpret policy outcomes in light of the research literature and the views of Americans about alcohol policies Our resources are fourfold: published research on the impacts of population-level interventions on drinking related problems; in-depth interviews with 65 experts in alcohol policy at the US federal level; government and other archival resources pertaining to taxation initiatives, alcohol advertising, health warnings on bottles, and counter-advertising initiatives; and, results of several national surveys of representative samples of US adults. Several strategies are considered to have potential in reducing drinking-related problems, and are supported by members of the public; however, more attention might be devoted to alcohol pricing and taxation, and combining these initiatives with modifications in marketing in order to enhance impact.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants will be able to: 1. Recognize and prioritize effective strategies for reducing population-level rates of alcohol-related problems. 2. Identify conditions associated with the successful implementation of alcohol policy initatives. 3. Articulate how public opinion and research evidence can be used to inform prevention strategies that are oriented to alcohol pricing and promotion
Keywords: Prevention, Alcohol Problems
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.