Policies to Prevent the Hann Caused by Alcohol

The impact on health of alcohol in a given society is mainly related with the volume and pattern of drinking, and these are related with individual factors, but also with enviromental factors, among which public policies are important determinants. Public policies may favour or reduce alcohol use, and thus have a substantial preventive capacity. The effectiveness of policies to prevent the harm caused by alcohol. has been reviewed in recent derailments, which provide evidence to extract recommendations. This paper reviews the most effective policies to reduce the hams caused by alcohol, with an emphasis in the use of taxes to increase its cost, availability regulation, and policies on drinking and driving. The regulation of alcohol promotion and publicity is also assessed, as well as the detection and treatment of alcdho! abuse and dependence The state of alccraol related policies in Spain is analysed, as well as the obstacles, for the adoption of policies inure prone to preventioff and recommendatiems for the future are made.