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ALCOHOL

AINSWORTH, Steve. The rise and fall of drinking culture. Practice Nurse Volume 38, No 10 - 11 December 2009: 43-44
Abstract: Regrettably, dealing with the direct and indirect consequences of drinking are an increasingly common part of a practice nurse's work.

CUNNINGHAM, John A and WILD, T Cameron and others. A randomized controlled trial of an internet-based intervention for alcohol abusers. Addiction Vol 104, No 12 - December 2009: 2023-2032
Abstract: Objective: Misuse of alcohol imposes a major public health cost, yet few problem drinkers are willing to access in-person services for alcohol abuse. The development of brief, easily accessible ways to help problem drinkers who are unwilling or unable to seek traditional treatment services could therefore have significant public health benefit. The objective of this project is to conduct a randomized controlled evaluation of the internet-based Check Your Drinking (CYD) screener ( http://www.CheckYourDrinking.net). Method: Participants (n = 185) recruited through a general telephone population survey were assigned randomly to receive access to the CYD, or to a no-intervention control group. Results: Follow-up rates were excellent (92%). Problem drinkers provided access to the CYD displayed a six to seven drinks reduction in their weekly alcohol consumption (a 30% reduction in typical weekly drinking) at both the 3- and 6-month follow-ups compared to a one drink per week reduction among control group respondents. Conclusions: The CYD is one of a growing number of internet-based interventions with research evidence supporting its efficacy to reduce alcohol consumption. The internet could increase the range of help-seeking options available because it takes treatment to the problem drinker rather than making the problem drinker come to treatment.

ELLAWAY, Anne and MACDONALD, Laura and others. The socio-spatial distribution of alcohol outlets in Glasgow city. Health and Place Vol 16, No 1 - January 2010: 167-172
Abstract: Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the distribution of alcohol outlets by area deprivation across Glasgow, Scotland. Methods: All alcohol outlets were mapped and density per 1000 residents and proximity to nearest outlet calculated across quintiles of area deprivation. Results: The socio-spatial distribution of alcohol outlets varies by deprivation across Glasgow but not systematically. Some deprived areas contain the highest concentration while others in similar deprivation quintiles contain very few. Conclusions: Considerations of the local context are important in examining access to alcohol but more research is also required on purchasing behaviour.

MENTHA, Ricky and WAKERMAN, John. An evaluation of the Australian Football League Central Australian Responsible Alcohol Strategy 2005-07. Health Promotion Journal of Australia Vol 20, No 3 - December 2009: 208-213
Abstract: Issue Addressed: In 2004, the Australian Football League Central Australia (AFLCA) implemented the Responsible Alcohol Strategy (RAS), which aimed to decrease alcohol consumption at matches, and to promote healthy lifestyle messages to the youth of Central Australia participating in Australian Rules football. Methods: The evaluation adopted a pre- and post-implementation design to monitor a number of performance indicators. The evaluation analysed routinely collected data from AFLCA, its Security Company, Alice Springs Police Department and Alice Springs Hospital; we surveyed AFLCA staff, club officials and umpires; and undertook direct observation at AFLCA events. Results: The volume of alcohol sold at matches decreased. Survey data indicate decreased alcohol related violence, improved spectator behaviour and decreased spectator attendances. Police data suggest declining alcohol-related and violent behaviours, but trends were not statistically significant. Alice Springs Hospital injury admission data indicate a non-significant interaction between year and season effect. Conclusion: In a community context of high alcohol consumption and high rates of interpersonal violence, the strategies implemented were successful in decreasing alcohol consumption and related undesirable behaviours at football games. However, these measures have resulted in unintended consequences: decreased numbers of spectators attending games, decreased canteen sales and falling sponsorship. The decreased revenue has raised serious issues about sustainability of the alcohol intervention, and stimulated discussions with government and others about strategies to maintain this important alcohol reduction policy.