Reducing harm from alcohol: call to action

Alcohol and alcohol-related harm in China: policy changes needed

“…The restriction of alcohol advertisement, taxation of alcoholic beverages, the setting of a legal age for drinking and policies against drink driving will have a significant impact on the frequency of alcohol-related problems. 20,35 The substantial economic and political reforms currently taking place in China are aimed at striking a balance between economic development and public health and between short-term and long-term alcohol control strategies. For this effort to succeed, a public health focus must be adopted now, along with long-term alcohol control policies.…”

Global Health and Geographical Imaginaries

“…Yach and Bettcher, 1999;Lee, 2003;Collin, 2005). The reasons for this are mainly historical: smoking was the first NCD risk factor to be addressed in global health with the adoption of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in the early 2000s and now serves as a model for tackling other key NCD risk factors (Yach et al, 2003;WHO, 2003;Casswell and Thamarangsi, 2009). For these commentators, smoking is conceived as a 'global epidemic' defined by worldwide mortality and morbidity figures.…”

Alcoholism: The Self-Reinforcing Feedback Loop

“…Stigma and stereotypes surrounding alcohol-related problems frequently damage crucial support relationships with friends and family (Dorrian, 2010;Schomerus et al, 2011) and healthcare professionals (Crothers & Dorrian, 2011;Durand, 1994). Despite this, research suggests that, at a global level, attempts to address alcohol-related issues are inadequate (Casswell & Thamarangsi, 2009). Problematic alcohol use represents a critical issue in global healthcare.…”