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Society Wide Approaches to alcohol and drug prevention


Society-wide approaches aim to reduce alcohol and drug use across the whole population. Such strategies include regulating alcohol advertising, reducing the availability, acceptability and affordability of alcohol, stringent law enforcement and information/education campaigns (for both alcohol and drugs), supervised drug consumption facilities, drug checking, and drug legislation change. In general, stronger policy environments are associated with lower levels of alcohol and drug use harm, particularly when they are “coherent and consistent”.

Need to Know and Key Findings

The availability, affordability and acceptability of alcohol are the primary drivers of consumption and harm Advertising is heavily invested in by the alcohol industry and exposure to advertising increases alcohol related harm Over the last 30 years, alcohol in the UK has become more affordable. Greater affordability in the off-trade has led to different patterns in alcohol consumption, with more people drinking at home, as opposed to in pubs and other leisure settings

Reducing alcohol availability through reduced hours/days of sale and clear licensing practices has been shown to be effective in minimising alcohol related harms. Low drink-driving limits and appropriate minimum age levels are also effective, in combination with strict enforcement. There is evidence that reducing affordability through a combination of minimum unit pricing and taxation is effective in minimising alcohol related harms. As exposure to alcohol advertising has been linked to greater alcohol related harms, regulation is needed to minimise this. Supervised drug consumption facilities can reach marginalised groups, facilitate safer drug use and enable access to health and social services. Drug checking at events/festivals and safer use social media campaigns can help minimise harms associated with use of drugs such as ecstasy and MDMA. Access to Naloxone can help to prevent opioid related deaths, particularly for those released from prison.

Good Practice
Potential Stakeholders
  • Alcohol and drug services
  • Police Scotland
  • Scottish Prison Service
  • Education Services
  • Licence holders
  • Advertising regulators
  • Licensing Boards
  • Allied health professionals
  • Social Work
  • People with lived experience
Full Evidence Briefing

To view the full Evidence Briefing for Society Wide Approaches please click HERE.