Simon C Moore1. 1. Violence and Society Research Group, Applied Clinical Research and Public Health, School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XY, UK. mooresc2@cardiff.ac.uk
Abstract
AIM: Policy responses to the growing burden of alcohol-related disease fail to consider the interrelated nature of substance misuse and the potential for complex interactions in response to alcohol-specific interventions. This paper considers possible aggregate level responses to the alcohol policy and whether alcohol policy can be expected to reduce overall harm. METHODS: A review and discussion of the relevant literature was conducted. RESULTS: Evidence indicates that those at greatest risk consume stronger alcoholic beverages more frequently, that they are likely to complement their consumption with a range of intoxicants and that they are more likely to substitute alcohol with other substances. CONCLUSIONS: Policies aimed at reducing alcohol consumption can be successful. However, evidence suggests a significant minority of consumers are likely to substitute or complement consumption with a range of intoxicants suggesting that policy is unlikely to reduce all-cause mortality and morbidity. Further research into the nature of substitution and complementarity is required.
AIM: Policy responses to the growing burden of alcohol-related disease fail to consider the interrelated nature of substance misuse and the potential for complex interactions in response to alcohol-specific interventions. This paper considers possible aggregate level responses to the alcohol policy and whether alcohol policy can be expected to reduce overall harm. METHODS: A review and discussion of the relevant literature was conducted. RESULTS: Evidence indicates that those at greatest risk consume stronger alcoholic beverages more frequently, that they are likely to complement their consumption with a range of intoxicants and that they are more likely to substitute alcohol with other substances. CONCLUSIONS: Policies aimed at reducing alcohol consumption can be successful. However, evidence suggests a significant minority of consumers are likely to substitute or complement consumption with a range of intoxicants suggesting that policy is unlikely to reduce all-cause mortality and morbidity. Further research into the nature of substitution and complementarity is required.
Authors: Justin Knox; Melanie Wall; Katie Witkiewitz; Henry R Kranzler; Daniel E Falk; Raye Litten; Karl Mann; Stephanie S O'Malley; Jennifer Scodes; Raymond Anton; Deborah S Hasin Journal: Drug Alcohol Depend Date: 2019-05-29 Impact factor: 4.492
Authors: Katarina Guttmannova; Christine M Lee; Jason R Kilmer; Charles B Fleming; Isaac C Rhew; Rick Kosterman; Mary E Larimer Journal: Alcohol Clin Exp Res Date: 2015-12-21 Impact factor: 3.455
Authors: Robin Room; Thomas K Greenfield; John Holmes; Ludwig Kraus; Michael Livingston; Amy Pennay; Jukka Törrönen Journal: Addict Res Theory Date: 2019-11-18
Authors: Simon C Moore; Bella Orpen; Jesse Smith; Chinmoy Sarkar; Chenlu Li; Jonathan Shepherd; Sarah Bauermeister Journal: J Public Health (Oxf) Date: 2022-06-27 Impact factor: 5.058