This guidance is for government, industry and commerce, the NHS and all those whose actions affect the population’s attitude to – and use of – alcohol. This includes commissioners, managers and practitioners working in:
- local authorities
- education
- the wider public, private, voluntary and community sectors.
It may also be of interest to members of the public.
This is one of three pieces of NICE guidance addressing alcohol-related problems among people aged 10 years and older. (See also: Alcohol-use disorders in adults and young people: clinical management; and Alcohol dependence and harmful use: diagnosis and management in young people and adults.)
Alcohol-related harm is a major health problem. The guidance identifies how government policies on alcohol pricing, its availability and how it is marketed could be used to combat such harm (see recommendation 1 to 3). Changes in policy in these areas is likely to be more effective in reducing alcohol-related harm among the population as a whole than actions undertaken by local health professionals.
The recommendations for practice (recommendations 4 to 12) support, complement – and are reinforced by – these policy options. They cover:
- Licensing.
- Resources for identifying and helping people with alcohol-related problems.
- Children and young people aged 10 to 15 years – assessing their ability to consent, judging their alcohol use, discussion and referral to specialist services.
- Young people aged 16 and 17 years – identification, offering motivational support or referral to specialist services.
- Adults – screening, brief advice, motivational support or referral.
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