The Solutions

As set out in the issues and evidence sections of this site, alcohol misuse is causing all of us problems. As we’ve mentioned, these problems have arisen because alcohol is too affordable, too available and too heavily promoted.

Because there is more than one cause, there is no single solution. Instead, there are a number of actions which need to be taken together if we are serious about turning back the tide of alcohol misuse. Broadly speaking, we need to make alcohol less affordable; reduce its availability and restrict its promotion, while providing greater investment in treatment services.

We need to raise awareness of the problems caused by drinking too much, presenting people with the facts to encourage all drinkers to think about, and then begin to reduce, their consumption.

Everyone has a role in this. After all, each of us is ultimately responsible for our own actions. However, it’s important to realise that it’s not all down to the individual. Government must act by introducing legislation and greater regulation, to support positive actions.

In this section we look at the solutions in detail – what they are, how they’ll help and how we get there.