www.alkoholpolitik.ch

For the first time in the European Parliament, the MEPs Against Cancer (MAC) interest group hosted a meeting to evaluate the cancer hazards of alcoholic beverages, and the potential impact of this knowledge on alcohol-related policy in order to address concerns over a lack of public awareness about the carcinogenicity of alcohol.
MEPs, scientists, representatives from cancer leagues in Europe, DG SANCO and NGOs all voiced their support for immediate action to raise awareness about the health risks of alcohol consumption, especially amongst young people, in relation to cancers of the pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, breast and colorectum.
Despite research dating back to 1987 that conclusively indicates the carcinogenicity of all alcoholic beverages, the connection between alcohol and cancer is often not made in consumer’s minds. On the contrary, a Eurobarometer report in 2010 found that 1 in 10 European citizens do not know that there is even a connection between alcohol and cancer. The same study also indicated that 1 in 5 citizens do not believe that there is a connection between cancer and the drinks that millions of us enjoy every week. (Source: Alcohol Reports, 12/10/10) europeancancerleagues.eu, 12/07/10

in A Sample of 20-Year-Old Men: The More I Think You Drink, The More I Drink
The amount a person drinks can be influenced by their perception of drinking by others. We studied whether perception of the amount of drinking by others (same age and sex) is associated with one’s own current drinking, and the factors that are related to this perception. (Source: Alcohol Reports, 12/09/10)

The 2010 drugs strategy Reducing demand, restricting supply, building recovery: supporting people to live a drug-free life has been released by the Home Office. It outlines that „severe alcohol dependence raises similar issues [to drug dependence] and that treatment providers are often one and the same. Therefore, where appropriate, this strategy will also consider severe alcohol dependency.“
An alcohol chapter on page 7 states:
‚Alcohol plays an important part in the cultural life of this country, with large numbers employed in production, retail and the hospitality industry. Pubs, bars and clubs contribute to community and family life and also generate valuable revenue to the economy. However, alcohol is a regulated product. Some individuals misuse it, contributing to crime and anti-social behaviour, preventable illness and early death. (Source: Alcohol Reports, 12/10/10) alcoholpolicy.net, 12/08/10

Early responses to the new 2010 Drugs Strategy have been released by Drugscope, Addaction and the NTA. Reports from the BBC, Guardian and a Telegraph comment. Follow DS Daily for more.
Following the release of the public health White Paper, a summary of alcohol references have been highlighted on the ALC. An article in the Independent asks whether Lansley’s policies are ‚Nudge or Fudge‘, the Telegraph reporting ’no more nanny state‘. The Guardian published a supportive GP comment and a radical critique on responding alcohol misuse. The Conservative MP Sarah Wollaston expressed support for minimum pricing in an outspoken interview on public health policy. … (Source: Alcohol Reports, 12/10/10) alcoholpolicy.net, 12/10/10

President Obama declared December National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) blog, Of Substance, reported Dec. 2.
According to Obama’s proclamation, thousands of Americans lose their lives to „drunk, drugged or distracted driving“ every year. Obama described drugged driving as a „growing problem“ and specifically pointed to the danger of driving under the influence of prescription drugs as well as illicit drugs. He referred to distracted driving — texting or using electronics while driving — as „life-threatening,“ and recommended the Distraction.gov website as a prevention tool.
Obama said the federal government had taken several steps to prevent impaired driving. The government has banned its employees from texting while driving, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is working with law enforcement nationally to increase identification of drunk drivers during the holidays, and the ONDCP will be educating the public about the increased incidence of drugged driving. (Source: Join Together, 12/09/10)

ALBUQUERQUE – The alcohol scandal that cost two La Cueva High School football coaches their positions has now led to activity suspensions for four seniors on the team, News 13 has learned.
The four players allegedly consumed alcohol on the team bus while returning from the team’s playoff loss to Mayfield High School in Las Cruces on Nov. 26. They have been suspended from extracurricular activities for 45 days. (Source: Google Alcohol News, 12/09/10) krqe.com, 12/08/10

Dozens of Iraqi writers and poets took to the streets of Baghdad Friday to protest at the closure of social clubs that serve alcohol in the capital, arguing that it harkened back to Saddam-era repression.
Holding up placards with the phrases “Freedom first” and “Baghdad will not be Kandahar,” they staged a demonstration near the Iraqi Writers’ Union (IWU) building in al-Wattanabi in the city centre. (Source: Google Alcohol News, 12/09/10) teaandpolitics.wordpress.com, 12/08/2010

On average, over a third (38%) of soap air time features alcohol, but the negative consequences of drinking to excess are rarely shown, according to new research launched today (8th December) by alcohol awareness charity Drinkaware.1 Despite 162 instances of characters drinking to excess2 over a six week monitoring period, only 1.5% of alcohol scenes portrayed hangovers and less than 1% combined showed alcohol-related sickness, crime, regret or anti-social behaviour. (Source: Medical News Today, 12/08/10)

As more states move to ban caffeinated alcoholic beverages (CABs), a new research review highlights the mounting evidence on the health risks associated with combining alcohol and energy drinks, ScienceDaily reported Nov. 30.
In an effort to determine the extent of CAB use and its health consequences — and outline future research needs — a team of researchers led by Jonathan Howland, PhD, chair of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department at the Boston University School of Public Health, examined statistical evidence from 44 sources. Source: Join Together, 12/03/10)

The Surprise Consequences Of Lobbying.
In January, Colorado will begin enforcing a law that forbids bars, restaurants and liquor stores from selling low-alcohol beer — usually low-calorie beer like Michelob Ultra, Heineken Light and others. Even Guinness may qualify as low-alcohol and be booted from Irish pubs. How did this happen? .. (Source: Google Alcohol News, 12/08/10) tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com, 12/07/10