A comprehensive approach to prevention of alcohol-related harm

“We need to educate people to change their dangerous drinking practises” ”Regulations are not effective; people drink anyway” ”You cannot forbid something which is culturally accepted” ”Control policies are the only effective interventions”

The simple assumption does not work: Knowledge Attitudes/values Action

The simple assumption does not work: Knowledge > Attitudes/values > Action A comprehensive and integrated strategy is more likely to work

Control policies EducationMobilization The prevention triangle

Control policies: Regulation of markets by governments to reduce the availability of a substance and to guarantee - from a health/social point of view - a safest possible production and distribution system.

Education: Provide information and training and influence values – to help people to decide and act adequately in their respective settings

Mobilization: Make alcohol and drug prevention a part of the agenda for social/political movements, link the issue to other key policy issues and involve leadership and members in practical activities.

Control policies: A top-down approach Reduces access to alcohol Constant reminder: No Ordinary Commodity Education Mobilization

Control policies Education: Myth-busting and factual information; Training of professionals to act professionally; Raise awareness around important issues; Motivate for the need for control policies. Mobilization

Control policies Mobilization: Youth and children’s organizations HIV/AIDS and health promotion NGOs Women’s organizations Trade unions and professional groups Organizations for poverty reduction CBOs and FBOs/churches Education

Control policies EducationMobilization The prevention triangle A broad set of interventions Interlinked and coordinated Each type of interventions serve their specific purpose