Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - The new policy mix: alcohol, harm minimisation and determined drunkenness in contemporary society.
AU - Measham, Fiona C.
N1 - RAE_import_type : Journal article RAE_uoa_type : Social Work and Social Policy & Administration
PY - 2006/7
Y1 - 2006/7
N2 - This paper reflects on the relationship between harm reduction, demand reduction, and supply reduction (collectively, harm minimisation) in relation to the individual, socio-economic, and legal regulation of alcohol, focusing on changing consumption patterns of youths and young adults in the UK. Firstly, harm reduction and practices of self-regulation are considered within the British context of an apparent culture of intoxication, with evidence of determined drunkenness amongst young people that builds upon a longstanding tradition of northern European drinking characterised by weekday restraint and weekend excess. Secondly, demand reduction and the predominant public health programme of recommended sensible drinking levels are discussed in relation to the credibility gap between such messages and contemporary alcohol-related attitudes and behaviours. Thirdly, looking at supply, recent legislative changes and broader developments in the alcohol industry are explored. They counterbalance economic deregulation of licensed leisure with the increased criminalisation of some drinkers. In order to produce the most effective policy mix, individualised models of harm reduction and demand reduction need to be located within broader, culturally appropriate, and context-specific policies that consider the socio-economic, political, and environmental factors influencing harm, demand, and supply.
AB - This paper reflects on the relationship between harm reduction, demand reduction, and supply reduction (collectively, harm minimisation) in relation to the individual, socio-economic, and legal regulation of alcohol, focusing on changing consumption patterns of youths and young adults in the UK. Firstly, harm reduction and practices of self-regulation are considered within the British context of an apparent culture of intoxication, with evidence of determined drunkenness amongst young people that builds upon a longstanding tradition of northern European drinking characterised by weekday restraint and weekend excess. Secondly, demand reduction and the predominant public health programme of recommended sensible drinking levels are discussed in relation to the credibility gap between such messages and contemporary alcohol-related attitudes and behaviours. Thirdly, looking at supply, recent legislative changes and broader developments in the alcohol industry are explored. They counterbalance economic deregulation of licensed leisure with the increased criminalisation of some drinkers. In order to produce the most effective policy mix, individualised models of harm reduction and demand reduction need to be located within broader, culturally appropriate, and context-specific policies that consider the socio-economic, political, and environmental factors influencing harm, demand, and supply.
KW - Alcohol harm reduction
KW - Supply and demand reduction
KW - Young people
KW - United Kingdom
U2 - 10.1016/j.drugpo.2006.02.013
DO - 10.1016/j.drugpo.2006.02.013
M3 - Journal article
VL - 17
SP - 258
EP - 268
JO - International Journal of Drug Policy
JF - International Journal of Drug Policy
SN - 0955-3959
IS - 4
ER -