Public health problems caused by harmful use of alcohol: gaining less or losing more?

South-East Asian societies are in transition amidst changing states of growth and development due to macro and micro level influences. The shift from agrarian to modern societies has led to people changing emotionally, culturally and socially. This influences every sphere of their lives. The impact of globalization, industrialization, migration and media invasion into the lives of people is noticeable and palpable. People are embracing new lifestyles, cultures and practices, giving rise to new problems such as the increasing use and abuse of alcohol. Governments, representing their citizens, in the pursuit of socio-economic growth and development, are also reacting to these changing global and national influences.