PREVENTION OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG “ABUSE” PROBLEMS AT THE COMMUNITY LEVEL: WHAT RESEARCH TELLS US*

Abstract

This paper presents alternative models for reducing alcohol-involved problems at the local level and a review of research evidence about effectiveness. A computer simulation model and results from a community trial in the United States is used to illustrate and demonstrate possibilities.

• Prevention
• Alcohol problems
• Community
• Public policy

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Harold D. Holder

Harold D. Holder, Ph.D., is director and senior scientist of the Prevention Research Center, Berkeley, California. The Prevention Research Center is one of 15 national alcohol research centers sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and the only one which specializes in prevention. Dr. Holder has had two areas of research emphasis: alcohol policy as a means to prevent alcohol-use-related problems and the cost-benefits of alcoholism treatment. His prevention research has concentrated on alcohol availability and techniques for reducing “heavy drinking” and acute alcohol problems. Dr. Holder directed a national six-year community prevention trial, which was to reduce alcohol-involved injuries and death employing public health policy. The treatment research has examined the potential of alcoholism and drug user treatment to reduce the utilization and costs of general health care. The major passion of his research tradition has been to have research findings be used in actual practice for prevention and health services management. He is a member of the editorial board of Substance Use and Misuse.