www.alkoholpolitik.ch

To determine the effect of age, sex, and cohort on the prevalence and genetic architecture of adolescent alcohol use (AAU). Design Survey study in participants registered with the Netherlands Twin Register. Setting Twins from the general population.
Two cohorts (data collected in 1993 and 2005-8) of twins aged 13-15, 16-17 and 18-21. In 1993 and 2005-8 a total of respectively 3269 and 8207 twins took part.
Survey data on initiation and frequency of alcohol use and quantity of alcohol consumed. …
In the Netherlands, the prevalence of alcohol initiation, frequency and quantity has increased in adolescents over a 15 year period, but there are no changes in the genetic architecture of adolescent alcohol use. (Source: Alcohol Reports, 08/11/11)

Holding alcohol retailers liable for injuries or damage done by their intoxicated customers can reduce motor vehicle deaths, homicides, injuries, and other alcohol-related problems, according to the Community Preventive Services Task Force. The independent, nonfederal, volunteer body of public health and prevention experts has determined that commercial host liability, otherwise known as dram shop liability, can be an effective intervention for reducing alcohol-related harms. … (Source: Google Alcohol News, 08/10/11) finanznachrichten.de, 10.8.11

In der Nacht auf Samstag wurden von der Stadtpolizei Winterthur in Gastwirtschaften Alkoholtestkäufe durchgeführt. An 4 von 8 Orten wurden den Jugendlichen Käufern gebrannte Wasser verkauft. (Quelle: Tages-Anzeiger, 9.8.11) Kommentar: Wird jetzt, wie in Deutschland, nur noch auf Schnaps getestet, damit die Erfolgsquote besser wird? Bisher waren die Käufer mit 60% bis 70% erfolgreich.

Mehr als die Hälfte der Deutschen trinkt mindestens einmal pro Woche Alkohol. Männer und Senioren greifen häufiger zu Bier, Schnaps und Wein, ergab unsere Umfrage.
Fast alle Deutschen trinken Alkohol, die meisten regelmäßig, so das Ergebnis einer repräsentativen Umfrage der GfK Marktforschung im Auftrag von www.apotheken-umschau.de. 89,4 Prozent der Befragten sagen, dass sie grundsätzlich Alkohol konsumieren, von den Arbeitern behaupten das sogar 96,4 Prozent.
Mehr als jeder zweite Deutsche trinkt mindestens einmal pro Woche ein Gläschen, bei den Männern liegt der Anteil deutlich höher (72,6 Prozent). Zwei- bis dreimal die Woche konsumiert rund jeder vierte Deutsche (Männer: 33 Prozent) Alkohol. … (Quelle: Google Alkohol News, 10.8.11)apotheken-umschau.de, 10.8.11

e.g. Alcohol, Drugs To Ease Anxiety Could Spur Substance-Abuse Problems
– More than half of Americans drink alcohol: report
– Zero alcohol law welcomed by SADD (New Zealand)
– New Study Highlights More Dangers Of „Alcopop“ Consumption (USA)
(Source: Alcohol Reports, 08/8/11)

According to a study published online by BJS (British Journal of Surgery), the risk of an acute pancreatitis attack can be increased by drinking just one 4cl measure of spirits, however, wine or beer do not appear to have the same effect.
The Karolinska Institute in Sweden conducted a study, in which researchers followed 84,601 people aged between 46 to 84 years from the general population in Vastmanland and Uppsala for an average of ten years, during which time 513 developed acute pancreatitis. … Source: Medical News Today, 08/6/11)

-time for a serious international public health effort.
Together with smoking, diet and physical inactivity, consumption of alcohol is among the four most important risk factors for non-communicable disease (NCD). Alcohol consumption, especially heavy consumption, impacts on cancer, liver cirrhosis and stroke. To reduce the burden of NCD, effective alcohol
policies should be implemented locally, nationally and internationally. … (Source: Alcohol Reports, 08/8/11)onlinelibrary.wiley.com, Addiction, 106, 1547–1548

Commentary on Laslett et al. (2011).
In their paper, Laslett et al. [1] have done a service not just to the research community, but to the millions of people who are affected by alcohol production, distribution and consumption every day in every corner of the world. In brief, the authors have provided a national-level assessment of how the drinking of individuals can affect the social fabric of a society. The impact is widespread and significant in terms of psychological, physical, social and economic costs. Negative effects from others’ drinking were reported by over 70% of Australians in the past year, with 51% experiencing serious adverse effects. Although Australia may not be representative of countries with lower levels of per capita income and alcohol consumption, the article raises some fascinating questions about the ways in which alcohol-related problems are defined, conceptualized, measured, and controlled. For example, what other legally available consumer product (tobacco, automobiles, gambling, etc.) has a comparable negative impact on the majority of the population of an advanced industrialized country? … (Source: Alcohol Reports, 08/8/11)Addiction, 106, 1612–1613 onlinelibrary.wiley.com, 2011

The Coalition Government is committed to a new strategy for the way government, health and community services, businesses, families, and communities work together to address alcohol and drug related harms in Victoria, Minister for Mental Health, Mary Wooldridge said today.
Announcing the Expert Advisory Group which will inform the development of the whole of government Victorian Alcohol and Drugs strategy, Ms Wooldridge said the appointment of the 17-member expert taskforce, chaired by Professor Richard Larkins is an important step forward. … More information about the whole of government Victorian Alcohol and Drug Strategy, including details about how to make a submission are available on www.health.vic.gov.au/aod/strategy. (Source: Alcohol Reports, 8/8/11)media release, 08/7/11

…Official Says
The rate of alcohol abuse among soldiers has doubled in the past five years, says Dr. Les McFarling, Director of the Army Substance Abuse Program. McFarling attributes the rise to the stress of serving in wars, readjusting to life at home and then repeating the cycle, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. He says about 13,000 soldiers were treated for substance abuse in 2010—most of them for alcohol. …
The Army announced last month it is trying to fill 130 substance-abuse counselor positions by October 1. The Army Substance Abuse Program is looking for professionals to help substance-impaired soldiers who have the potential to continue military service. (Source: Join Together, 8/8/11)