Alcohol Strategy (National & Local)

The information below provides a brief introduction to national policy in England regarding alcohol misuse followed by information on local strategy for the London Borough of Ealing:

 

While the majority of people enjoy alcohol with few, if any, problems, harmful drinking affects not only people’s health but the economy as a whole.  Alcohol misuse is associated with a wide range of problems, including physical health problems such as cancer and heart disease; offending behaviours, not least domestic violence; suicide and deliberate self-harm; child abuse and child neglect; mental health problems which co-exist with alcohol misuse; and social problems such as homelessness (source www.nta.org.uk).

• Alcohol-related illness or injury accounts for 180,000 hospital admissions per year.
• The total annual healthcare cost related to alcohol misuse adds up to £1.7 billion per year. The bulk of this cost is borne by the NHS.
• Alcohol-related deaths have more than doubled since 1979, with more people dying at a younger age.
  
  (Statistics source: www.dh.gov.uk)

The Government is targeting information and advice at people who drink at harmful levels, their families and their friends. This will be achieved through government communications campaigns, the NHS and local communities.

In order to tackle all aspects of alcohol-related harm in England, the Government devised the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England (March 2004).  This strategy relied on creating partnership working at both national and local levels between government, the drinks industry, health and police services, individuals and communities to tackle alcohol misuse focussed on the following key areas:

• Better education and communication
• Improving health and treatment services
• Combating alcohol related crime and disorder
• Working with the alcohol industry

In June 2007, the Department of Health and the Home Office jointly launched an updated National Alcohol Strategy (Safe.Sensible.Social), setting out clear goals and actions to promote sensible drinking and reduce the harm that alcohol can cause.

Safe.Sensible.Social builds upon the National Alcohol Strategy by emphasising key areas that the government identifies as in need of particular focus.  The updated startegy aims to:

• Stamp out illegal and irresponsible behaviour caused by excessive drinking.
• Focus support and information on those most at risk.
• Create an environment which promotes sensible drinking.

Delivering it will involve working with local authorities, the police and other enforcement agencies, the NHS, voluntary and community organisations,  prison and probation services, the alcohol industry and wider society.

For further information on the Safe.Sensible.Social strategy visit:  http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_075218

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