Alcohol problems: (i) Prevention at the local level.

The amount of alcohol consumed and its contribution to so many contemporary health and social problems, has led to a general consensus that 'something must be done'. Recent reports by 3 Royal Colleges highlighted important aspects of aetiology, treatment, and national prevention policy. In this first of a series of four papers, based on our DHSS-funded research and subsequent book Preventing Alcohol Problems: a guide to local action we trace the changing response to the alcohol problem, highlight the increasing emphasis on prevention, indicate the wide range of local prevention resources, and stress the vital role of health professionals in prevention at the local level.