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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Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Alcohol-use disorders: preventing the development of hazardous and harmful drinking


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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