Showing papers by "Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse published in 1996"

On the emerging paradigm of drinking patterns and their social and health consequences.

Abstract: Recent epidemiological and social studies have increasingly pointed to the importance of drinking patterns in explaining consequences of alcohol consumption This paper presents recommendations for research in the area based on the presentations and discussions of the first "International Conference on Social and Health Effects of Different Drinking Patterns" held in Toronto in November 1995 In particular, the social dimension in pattern research, and the relationship between patterns of drinking and casualties as well as social harm, are stressed The paper also argues for better theories, incorporating knowledge from related basic disciplines In addition, we emphasize the need for improved methodologies and standardized methods for assessing drinking patterns Finally, implications of research on drinking patterns for policy and programme development are discussed

Harm Reduction as an Alcohol-Prevention Strategy.

Abstract: Harm-reduction programs, first developed in an attempt to mitigate the adverse consequences of illicit drug use, can be applied to alcohol-prevention programs as well. In fact, the movement toward harm reduction in illicit drug prevention may be closely paralleled by a similar trend in the alcohol-prevention field. Harm-reduction approaches to alcohol aim to diminish the negative consequences of intoxication (e.g., by using special glassware that breaks into fine particles instead of sharp pieces, thus reducing the chance of injury during pub fights). Such measures may receive increased attention as public support declines for restrictions on alcohol availability and new evidence emerges on the potential benefits of moderate alcohol consumption. In addition, analyses suggest that harm reduction may be an efficient approach, because it often focuses on minimizing heavy-drinking occasions, which predict drinking problems more strongly than level of consumption.