Benefits
AHR can help to reduce the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers and liver diseases.
AHR can help to reduce transmission of infectious diseases, including HIV and TB, as alcohol consumption increases transmission risks by suppressing immune responses.
It reduces alcohol-related injuries, including both injuries to those consuming alcohol, as well as those around them. Such injuries include road traffic injuries, falls, assaults, drownings and burns.
AHR policies in practice
In North America, Managed Alcohol Programmes (MAPS) have had a positive impact on AHR policies.
In Canada, MAPs have provided a safe space for healing.
In the USA combined pharmacological and behavioural harm-reduction treatment have led to a decrease in alcohol use and alcohol-related harm.
In Brazil, school prevention programmes have reduced the progression of alcohol among adolescents of 13–15 years old.
During the COVID19 pandemic, a study found that providing medically recommended amounts of alcohol to alternative shelter residents reduced both the risk of withdrawal and the risk of increased transmissions of COVID.
SAFER Interventions
In 2018, the World Health Organisation and United Nations, in collaboration with international partners, launched the SAFER initiative. It is a package of proven, cost-effective interventions to reduce the harms caused by alcohol:
S :
Strengthen restrictions on alcohol availability.
A :
Advance and enforce drink driving counter measures.
F :
Facilitate access to screening, brief interventions and treatment.
E :
Enforce bans or comprehensive restrictions on alcohol advertising, sponsorship, and promotion.
R :
Raise prices on alcohol through excise taxes and pricing policies.
