Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Monday, June 23, 2008

Alcohol policies must target majority to reduce the toll of death and disease

Monday, 23rd June 2008

With alcohol-related deaths in Scotland almost doubling in the past decade and one of the fastest growing alcoholic liver disease rates in the world, it's hard to believe that some people still argue that harmful alcohol use in Scotland is a minority problem (Platform, 20 June).

The truth is that many of us, young and old alike, are drinking at levels that put our health and wellbeing at risk. More harm is associated with the much bigger group of risky drinkers than the smaller group of dependent drinkers. Policies need to target the whole population rather than just the heaviest drinkers.

Effective action to reduce alcohol consumption in the population means controls on price and availability. . . . . . . .

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