Drinking in context. Patterns, interventions, and partnerships

FRANÇAIS :
Cet ouvrage est la contribution de quatre organismes expérimentés dans le champ des substances psychoactives : ICAP (International Center for Alcohol Policies), IHRA (International Harm Reduction Association), WFMH (World Federation for Mental Health) et IREB (Institut de Recherches Scientifiques sur les Boissons). Les trois thèmes abordés dans ce livre sont les modes de consommation, qui constituent la meilleure voie pour comprendre la place de l'alcool dans la société, les interventions ciblées qui sont les plus sensibles aux différences culturelles et les partenariats, qui offrent la meilleure opportunité de développer des politiques reflétant les valeurs de la société dans son ensemble. Dans beaucoup de pays, l'alcool a une place définitive : replacer la consommation dans son contexte est une façon d'apprendre à vivre au mieux avec l'alcool. (A partir du résumé d'éditeur)
ENGLISH :
Drinking beverage alcohol is a widespread source of individual and social pleasure in most countries around the world. Yet, some drinking patterns can lead to serious physical, mental, and social harms. Drinking in Context is intended to complement existing volumes dealing with international alcohol policy by focusing on three main themes: drinking patterns, targeted interventions, and partnership development. An understanding that patterns of drinking are important predictors of outcomes has led to a growing realization that alcohol policies and prevention strategies need to focus on excessive or irresponsible drinking. As a result, there has been a shift towards interventions that address the targeted reduction of harm. These approaches recognize socio- cultural differences and avoid trying to impose a one-size-fits- all solution. In this context, multi-stakeholder partnerships offer an excellent opportunity to promote the complex mix of measures required by each society. Shared responsibilities lead to shared solutions. Drinking in Context gives a special emphasis to three issues that are of great concern globally: alcohol-impaired driving, alcohol abuse among young people, and public disorder. The volume explains how to develop action plans based on available evidence and leading to feasible solutions. It is directed towards a broad readership, including policy-makers, public health and social policy specialists, health advocates, scientists and scholars, beverage alcohol industry members, educators, and prevention program staff. In selecting the best alcohol policies, societies are faces with choices about how to encourage some behaviors and discourage others. Alcohol is here to stay. Putting drinking into context is how we learn to live with the best. The volume was commissioned by the International Center for Alcohol Policies (ICAP), with assistance of expertise from the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), the International Harm Reduction Association (IHRA), and the Institut de Recherches Scientifiques sur les Boissons (IREB). The book includes an afterword by Professor Norman Sartorius. (Editor's abstract)