Synopses & Reviews
Alcohol and Public Policy provides a set of scientific reviews, written by a distinguished team of international scientists and policy analysts, which explore the scientific basis for policies on alcohol and alcohol problems.
Important contemporary issues are critically reviewed including a mapping of trends in world consumption and examination of the most recent evidence on how drinking is shared out within any given population. Evidence on the relationship between quantity drunk and harm done is explored both as regards the individual drinking and population levels of consumption. Suicide, interpersonal violence, and dependence risk are all considered as well as the physical harms of alcohol abuse. Other chapters deal with the effect of pricing on consumption, the climate of public discourse, and the alleged protective influence of moderate drinking. Finally, the application of economics to the determination of the 'best buy' in a practical mix of policies is examined.
In an area often clouded by partisan and vested interests, this book provides a clear objective approach to the subject. Its comprehensive and balanced coverage of alcohol and public health issues will benefit anyone working in these areas.
Table of Contents
I. Alcohol Use and Associated Risk of Harm
Chapter 1: Trends in alcohol consumption and drinking patterns: Lessons from worldwide development, Jussi Simpura, Finland
Chapter 2: Individual risk and population distribution of consumption, Paul Lemmens, The Netherlands
Chapter 3: Alcohol consumption and social consequences, dependence, and positive benefits in general population surveys, Lorraine T. Midanik, U.S.A.
Chapter 4: Alcohol and risk, Peter Anderson, Denmark
Chapter 5: The relationship between alcohol consumption and unintentional injury, violence, suicide, work performance, and intergenerational effects, Anders Romelsjo, Sweden
II. Strategies with Potential to Reduce Harm
Chapter 6: Do alcohol prices affect consumption and related problems?, Esa Osterberg, Finland
Chapter 7: The social and public health significance of individually-directed interventions, Thomas F. Babor, U.S.A.
Chapter 8: Public discourse on alcohol: Implications for public policy, Sally Casswell, New Zealand
Chapter 9: Moderate drinking and public health, Robert Ferrence, Canada
Chapter 10: The economic evaluation of alcohol policies, Christine Godfrey and Alan Maynard