Drinking in Context
Patterns, Interventions, and Partnerships

Drinking beverage alcohol is a widespread source of individual and social pleasure in most countries around the world. Yet, some drinking patterns can lead to serious physical, mental, and social harms. Drinking in Context is intended to complement existing volumes dealing with international alcohol policy by focusing on three main themes: drinking patterns, targeted interventions, and partnership development.

An understanding that patterns of drinking are important predictors of outcomes has led to a growing realization that alcohol policies and prevention strategies need to focus on excessive or irresponsible drinking. As a result, there has been a shift towards interventions that address the targeted reduction of harm. These approaches recognize socio-cultural differences and avoid trying to impose a one-size-fits-all solution. In this context, multi-stakeholder partnerships offer an excellent opportunity to promote the complex mix of measures required by each society. Shared responsibilities lead to shared solutions.

List of Contributing Authors. Foreword. New Solutions to Changing Problems. Patterns of Drinking and Their Outcomes. Selecting the Right Interventions: The Need for Assessment. Opportunities for Targeted and Tailored Interventions. Targeting Behavior: Alcohol-impaired Driving. Targeting Drinking Contexts: Public Disorder. Targeting Groups: Young People. Feasible Interventions for Minimizing Harm. Key Players and Partnerships. Finding Common Ground: Conflict of Interest or Interest in Partnership? Conclusions. Sartorius, Afterword. Annex. Alcohol and the Global Burden of Disease: Methodological Issues. Index.