Sir, – Your editorial on the decline in alcohol consumption makes it clear that, while this trend is undoubtedly positive, there is still much work to be done (“The Irish Times view on falling alcohol consumption: a welcome trend worth further study”, August 25th).
Considering the health-related figures, it is highly unlikely that the consumption reduction is by people with alcohol issues.
Restricting advertising and adjusting pricing policies can play a role in addressing problematic drinking. However, it’s important to recognise that we are dealing with a mood-altering substance, and the genuine effects of these measures can often be overstated.
There seems to be a lack of well-planned, long-term educational strategies. We will not be able to effectively confront the issue of problematic drinking until comprehensive measures are incorporated into any new statutory framework.
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There is a significant necessity for the following independent actions, to be funded unconditionally by the industry. While not a panacea in themselves, they will enable individuals to assess their personal relationship with alcohol in a meaningful way. Over time, these actions have the potential to shift our so-called “cultural” connection to alcohol. Your editorial helps to demonstrate proof of this.
We need a well-informed and cohesive educational intervention campaign that clearly defines the issue of problematic drinking. The agreed definition, incorporating help options, would be prominently displayed in all establishments that serve or sell alcohol, as well as at all points of contact within health, educational and legal services.
The implementation of direct intervention strategies for both individuals who consume alcohol and those who are concerned about them should be prioritised at every available opportunity. This could be a key focus of health and justice services.
Widespread proactive endorsement, equivalent to that promoting alcohol itself, of individuals in our society who choose not to consume alcohol for personal or health-related considerations.
It is heart-breaking to see this problem get even worse year on year, despite hundreds of millions spent on ineffective measures. One hardly needs the proverbial “rocket science” degree to understand how effective the above suggestions could be. – Yours, etc,
GERRY HICKEY,
Administrator,
Alcohol Response,
Dublin 2.