Alcohol is the most commonly abused drug. However, awareness of the dangers of alcohol abuse is low when compared to that of other drugs that are, fortunately, less common. It now seems that public policymakers are prepared to tackle alcohol abuse with the commitment it deserves.

The publication of the national alcohol policy by the Ministry for the Family, Children’s Rights and Social Solidarity is the first important step that defines the measures needed to ensure that society is protected as much as possible from the scourge of alcohol addiction. Overcoming an addiction to alcohol can be a long and bumpy road. If the 23 measures included in the policy document are implemented, the challenge of alcohol abuse, especially among the younger generations, will, hopefully, be gradually overcome.

The alcohol national policy document is well researched with easily-understood statistics that highlight the seriousness of alcohol abuse. Its chief merit is that it addresses the issue from the different perspectives of public health, crime prevention, education, entertainment and societal well-being.

The action points listed tackle the issue of alcohol abuse by promoting better law enforcement, stricter consumption limits, preventive strategies and positive initiatives to encourage people to avoid alcohol addiction through better awareness of the dire consequences of abuse.

The involvement of the national addictions advisory board, made up of experts in the area of substance abuse is a laudable initiative. Richard Muscat, who heads the board, welcomed the measures advocated in the policy document. He rightly points out that “the next step is to start implanting the specific measures”.

Understandably, the first measures will prioritise the problem of drink-driving that habitually leaves too many victims of rogue drivers. At last, Malta’s allowable limits of alcohol consumption by drivers will no longer be the highest in Europe. It is sensible that limits of alcohol consumption are being lowered to safer levels. This measure should see the number of drink-driving accidents reduced with, one hopes, fewer fatalities and cases of temporary and permanent disabilities.

Enforcement of strict regulations is the critical success factor of this policy. This element could prove to be a formidable challenge as a stretched police force, increasing traffic congestion and an attitude of inconsistent application of disciplinary measures could frustrate the good intentions of policymakers to curb drink-driving. This challenge will also apply in the enforcement process of measures aimed at making entertainment venues safer for users and also discouraging abuse in the sale of alcohol to young people.

Many rightly argue that, in the long-term, educational measures are the ones that will be most effective in persuading people to avoid alcohol abuse or to seek early treatment from addiction. It is never too early to inform children about the harm that alcohol will inevitably have on their health and general well-being. While the effects of alcohol abuse are not as immediately dramatic as those relating to the use of harder substances, this should not lull educators, parents, and the public in a false sense of security.

As the national alcohol policy acknowledges, the battle against alcohol addiction has to be fought on different fronts. All those who share a responsibility to fight this scourge must be given the resources needed to ensure the new policy will be more than a well-intentioned strategy.

This is a Times of Malta print editorial

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