The fourth annual report that provides an update on the monitoring and evaluation of Scotland’s alcohol strategy has been released by NHS Health Scotland. The report summarises the impact various elements of the national strategy are thought to have had on alcohol-related harm.
Overall, consumption and most alcohol harm measures have been continuing to fall over recent years. However according to the report, 'a substantial proportion' of the improvements in alcohol-related harms are associated with 'declining affordability of alcohol due to the economic downturn'. Nonetheless, the ban on quantity discounting of alcohol and increased Alcohol Brief Intervention activity (or 'IBA' in England) were thought to be contributing to the improvements seen in Scotland.
Although some increased awareness of the harm caused by alcohol was evident amongst the population, there had been little notable change to attitudes or other knowledge around alcohol. Whilst significant investment and access to alcohol treatment services had been made, more understanding was needed to assess the potential contribution this made. Other licensing work actions were not shown to have played a significant role as yet, and the strategy aim of minimum pricing has not yet been achieved owing to an EU legal battle led by sections of the alcohol industry.
For further analysis read the full MESAS report here [pdf], or see a recent Findings Bank entry.
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