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Ways to reduce the burden from harmful use of alcohol
"The health, safety and socioeconomic problems attributable to alcohol can be effectively reduced and require actions on the levels, patterns and contexts of alcohol consumption and the wider social determinants of health."

"Countries have a responsibility for formulating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating public policies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol. Substantial scientific knowledge exists for policy-makers on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the following strategies:"

  • regulating the marketing of alcoholic beverages (in particular to younger people);
  • regulating and restricting the availability of alcohol;
  • enacting appropriate drink-driving policies;
  • reducing demand through taxation and pricing mechanisms;
  • raising awareness of public health problems caused by harmful use of alcohol and ensuring support for effective alcohol policies;
  • providing accessible and affordable treatment for people with alcohol-use disorders; and
  • implementing screening and brief interventions programmes for hazardous and harmful drinking in health services.
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Related indicators

SDG Target 3.5 | Substance abuse: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
Substance Use Disorder Service Capacity Index and coverage of treatment services
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