A report from 2020health, a health and technology policy body, has emphasised the importance of addressing 'risky drinking' as a key part of public health policy. The report highlights the importance of brief interventions [or IBA] for risky drinkers, the need to promote alcohol-free days, and Government action including minimum pricing.
Download From one to many: The risks of frequent excessive drinking [pdf]
A foreword by Dr Clare Gerada, Chair of Royal College of General Practitioners, states:
"This report focuses on what we term ‘risky drinking’, where a person drinks often, perhaps even every day, but does not necessarily get drunk or display dependence on alcohol. It is these people, a million miles away from the classic image of the teenage binge drinker, who may not even realise they are drinking above the recommended amounts, and are quietly, slowly paving the way to serious health problems in the future."
The report re-emphasises many recent recommendations from health bodies over recent years, including NICE public health alcohol guidance, Alcohol Concern reports, Department of Health commissioning guidance and calls to mainstream brief intervertions.
It specifically calls on the use of new technologies to deliver brief interventions, which should also be included in a 'universal alcohol assessment' offered at age 30. Brief interventions should be included in all NHS health checks, integrated within the QOF and delivered by dentists.
Further information on alcohol and 'risky drinking' can be found from NHS Choices alcohol pages, Drinkaware, and resources and guidance are available from the Alcohol Learning Centre.
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