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An Economist in ‘Alcohol Policy Country’
Author(s) -
IWAARDEN M. J.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
british journal of addiction
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.424
H-Index - 193
eISSN - 1360-0443
pISSN - 0952-0481
DOI - 10.1111/j.1360-0443.1989.tb00716.x
Subject(s) - legislation , alcohol consumption , alcohol abuse , social policy , consumption (sociology) , alcohol , public economics , health policy , political science , health care , environmental health , economics , medicine , economic growth , psychiatry , sociology , law , social science , biochemistry , chemistry
Summary The use of alcohol in the Netherlands more than tripled between 1960 and 1980. As a consequence also alcohol abuse increased substantially and caused problems for the drinker, the family and for society as a whole. These problems resulted in higher costs of the health care, the police and judicial system, and the labour force. The central aim of Dutch alcohol control policy is to prevent the health and social risks which result from alcohol consumption. More education, efficient treatment and new legislation are the main policy instruments. What can economics contribute in this respect? What is the perspective for prevention during the next decade?