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Countries comprising of the South-East Asia Region of the
World Health Organization, which had low levels of consumption of alcohol
until recently, are steadily moving towards a higher level of alcohol use.
The influence of the West and global cultural pressures seem to have
accelerated this movement in the last decade. It is well established that an
increase in alcohol consumption by a community or a nation leads to a higher
proportion of persons with what can be considered problem use (abuse/harmful
use) and addiction (dependence).
Alcohol abuse has a significantly adverse impact on the
lives of affected persons and their families, most notably in health aspects.
Simultaneously, the substantial socio-economic impact and the burden on the
communities or nations facing increasing alcohol use warrants attention.
There is, therefore, an urgent need to focus on prevention of harm from
alcohol use and abuse in countries of the Region, both from the perspectives
of health promotion as well as social development.
Recognition of the consequences of alcohol abuse on the
physical and mental health of affected people, as well as, on their
socio-occupational life, is necessary for initiating appropriate action to
reduce the ham from alcohol abuse. The facts and figures available from
countries in the Region, although not exhaustive or complete, provide an
adequate basis for initiating such action.
This monograph, “Prevention
of harm from alcohol use: get high on life without alcohol”, prepared by
a panel of experts provides the currently available information on alcohol
use and abuse in WHO’s South-East Asia Region. It makes practical suggestions
on what the individual, the community and governments can do to protect each
and every one from the harmful effects of alcohol abuse, and to get high on
life, but without alcohol.
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