Prevention of alcohol-related problems. Introduction to a symposium.

Despite major biomedical advances, the most important health gains of this century have been due to preventive measures. Primary prevention includes: (a) health protection--the use of public direct regulatory activities (e.g. regulations regarding the sale and availability of alcohol, requirements for warning labels); (b) disease prevention--services directed to reducing the occurrence of specific identifiable disorders (e.g. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) using strategies derived from risk factor research; and (c) health promotion--activities which foster positive behaviors and general good health practices. Although there is a measure of agreement that 'something must be done' to prevent alcohol problems, it is not quite so easy to find agreement on what is the best preventive approach, or even what the focus of prevention should be--problem drinkers, drinking habits or alcohol itself. To change attitudes and practices requires more than token nods towards alcohol education. More attention is now being given to psychologically and socially based prevention programs. The next three papers discuss behavioural approaches to prevention of alcohol-related problems.