Let's review our alcohol policy!

Wendel Abel, I AM WHAT I THINK

The National Council on Drug Abuse, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation, recently hosted a conference on Jamaica's alcohol policy. This is a timely conference as Jamaica needs to review its alcohol policy.

1. Alcohol use is high: Studies in Jamaica show relatively high numbers of young people reporting using alcohol in one form or other. High levels of alcohol use are undoubtedly related to the cultural acceptance of alcohol, unrestricted sale and widespread advertising of alcohol.

2. Alcohol use is widely accepted: Everyone knows that bars outnumber churches here. The use of alcohol is deeply entrenched in our culture; on the plantation, the slave looked forward to his portion of alcohol as he used it to reduce the pain associated with his miserable existence. Alcohol is still part of our social and cultural experience. We use alcohol at most family gatherings and in other social contexts.

3. The unrestricted sale of alcohol: Many countries have moved towards the regulation of alcohol sale. In Jamaica, alcohol is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. We party almost every night and alcohol is readily available. In addition, minors are allowed to purchase alcohol in some settings.

4. Widespread advertising of alcohol: Although efforts have been made to control the advertising of alcohol, we are, unfortunately constantly bombarded with images of alcohol. Many of these messages are intended to influence young people to start drinking.

5. Drinking and driving: Despite efforts to curtail this practice, it is still widespread. Many operators of public transport drink and drive, and we still have a challenge with people driving while drunk.

6. The devastating effect of alcohol: Long-term alcohol use is associated with increased risk for heart disease, stroke, breast cancer and cancers of the mouth, throat, oesophagus and the liver. Alcohol use in pregnancy may lead to miscarriage and harmful effects on the unborn baby, which may lead to long-term problems in children.

7. A high social and economic cost: Alcohol use may lead to domestic violence and problems at work and with friends. In addition, millions of dollars are spent to provide health care to people with alcohol-related conditions.

Why review our alcohol policy?

A review is necessary to protect individuals and safeguard public health. Issues that we need to address are:

1. Underage drinking: We need to effect measures to prohibit the possession and consumption of alcohol by minors.

2. Adequate policies should be in place to prohibit the use of alcohol by all operators of vehicles.

3. Limit retail sales: We need to review policies and set standards in regards to the 24-hour sale of alcohol and the sale of alcohol on Sundays.

4. Pregnancy and alcohol: Adequate warning signs should be posted to remind pregnant women who drink, in order to protect mother and infant.

As we enter this important conversation, we would like to hear from you, our valued readers so that your views are taken into consideration as we review our alcohol-use policy.

Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Dept of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies, 977-1108; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.