Revitalising Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategies in Europe: Learning from Evidence Based Interventions. Brussels, June 2012

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This special international symposium will examine the latest initiatives at both EU and national level, discuss the range of alcohol-focused projects, and consider recommendations for future actions to reduce the harmful effects of alcohol misuse. Thursday 28th June 2012, Stanhope Hotel, Brussels.

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3rd World Forum Against Drugs, Stockholm, May 21-23, 2012

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The 3rd World Forum Against Drugs will take place in Stockholm, Sweden, on May 21-23, 2012. Speakers include the patron, H.M. Queen Silvia of Sweden, and US drug czar R. Gil Kerlikowske. The three main themes of the Forum will be: Human rights and the Rights of child to be protected from illicit drugs, Illicit drug use and trafficking problems of Latin America, and Primary prevention and its role in drug policy.

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Free seminars in UK on innovative project, 'Street Talk'

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Mentor UK and Addaction are running a series of free seminars across the UK during May 2012 on their innovative joint project, Street Talk. The project trains the staff and volunteers of local partners to deliver a brief intervention that aims to reduce substance misuse among young people, and associated risks including criminal activity and anti-social behaviour.

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The broader concept of 'prevention': a think-tank analysis

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This interesting and wide ranging document examines the broader concept of 'prevention' in terms of long-term planning, upstream investment and early action to prevent harm and to avoid costly and unsustainable consequences for people, the planet and the economy. The nef (New Economics Foundation) is 'an independent think-and-do tank'.

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'App' for disposal of prescription meds in US

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The American Medicine Chest Challenge announced the release of a free mobile app ‘AMCC Rx Drop’ connecting users to the locations of permanent prescription drug collection boxes for safe disposal of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine.

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Study shows under-age online purchase of booze is easy

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Following this P.U. Issue's theme of alcohol marketing to young people, we came across research showing how easy it is to buy alcohol online without age verification in the USA. Researchers from North Carolina asked eight under-age participants to order alcohol using their own genuine ID if asked. Hardly any verification was required when ordering and the process was patchy on delivery. Overall, only 28% of orders placed by minors were rejected because of age verification.

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Mixed messages for youth from Olympic drug ban reversal?

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Some commentators have expressed concern that the recent reversal of the British Olympic Committee's lifetime ban on drug abusing athletes will send the wrong message, especially to young sport enthusiasts. Others point to the need to forgive and move on. The World Anti-Doping Agency successfully challenged BOC policy.

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Is drug use in schools greater than we thought?

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This research from Midwest USA suggests that problematic drug use among high school students is more prevalent than has been recognised previously.

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TV alcohol ads linked with teen drinking

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Teenagers familiar with TV alcohol ads are more likely to have tried alcohol and to have engaged in binge drinking. The Pediatric Academic Societies heard that over 2,500 15-20 year olds were surveyed by researchers from the US Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Factors studied included gender, age, race, friends/parents drinking, favourite alcohol ads, ownership of branded alcohol and tendency for “sensation-seeking” behaviour. Subjects were shown images for alcohol and fast food ads with brands removed, then questioned about their knowledge and preferences. Familiarity with TV alcohol advertising was significantly higher for drinkers than for non-drinkers. Dr. Tanski commented that under-age youth frequently see alcohol ads and that current US voluntary advertising standards may be too weak. This fits with a European report also featured in PU Issue 9. Mentor Foundation has further advice in Prevention Smart Parents.

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Prevention really does work and should be applied worldwide!

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As deaths among adolescents from infectious diseases decline worldwide, policy makers are looking more closely at causes of death from preventable factors such as drug use. Professor Richard Catalano and colleagues have published a comprehensive view in The Lancet, asserting that “Prevention science and the effectiveness of prevention is one of the best-kept secrets in the world.” The article describes the principles of prevention science, gives examples of successful and cost-effective interventions, considers the scaling up of successful programmes, and concludes with wide ranging and specific recommendations.

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