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Dr Bruce Ritson Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) is an independent medical advocacy body, set up in 2006 to provide an authoritative medical opinion on the impact of alcohol on health. Dr Bruce Ritson, Chair of SHAAP, began by putting alcohol policies in a public health perspective. He explained that one of the most effective ways to prevent alcohol related problems is through policies that reduce average alcohol consumption, especially limitations on physical and economic availability. Talking about population consumption and harm, Bruce explained that the more alcohol a nation consumes then the greater the burden of harm it will experience. International evidence confirms that if overall alcohol consumption falls, reductions in alcohol-related harm can follow within a relatively short time. Bruce also pointed to evidence which clearly shows that the rates of alcohol related harm are increasing in Scotland, correlating with an increase in public concern. Different types of prevention measures then were described, the most effective being identified as a combination of; controls on price and availability, community action, early recognition and brief interventions. Alongside minimum pricing, SHAAP would like to see restrictions on the ability supermarkets and off-licences to run cheap drinks promotions, as well as stricter enforcement of laws relating to alcohol sales. SHAAP have also identified a need for more effective treatments for people with alcohol problems (ranging from brief interventions to residential programmes), and increased staff training and support to deliver interventions. Bruce commented that three key things were required for an effective public health strategy: Involvement (NHS public health, local authority health Improvement, Police, retailers and producers); Information (National and local data on health, crime, sales etc); and Monitoring (key performance indicators could include improved health, less crime, child welfare, reduced consumption) Dr Kirsten Windfuhr Dr Kirsten Windfuhr, Senior Project Manager from the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness, discussed the links between alcohol misuse and suicide. The National Confidential Inquiry is a national research project based at the University of Manchester, which collects detailed information on all suicides by people in the care of mental health services throughout the UK. Kirsten pointed out that one of the most striking features of suicide rates in Scotland is how much higher they are than in England and Wales, almost twice as high. One of the possible explanations for this disparity is the higher prevalence of alcohol and drug misuse in Scotland, which are key risk factors in relation to suicide. Although more research is needed into the connections 4
etween alcohol abuse and suicide, the link is certainly there: more than half of the people who died by suicide identified by the Inquiry had a history of alcohol misuse. As a result, the Confidential Enquiry recommends that action is taken to improve services for people with a dual diagnosis of mental health problems and alcohol problems; front-line staff must be skilled and confident in assessing and managing alcohol misuse. Nicola Sturgeon MSP Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, delivered the keynote address. Ms Sturgeon was the strongest political proponent of the Alcohol Bill, and particularly of the policies that were ultimately voted down in Parliament. During her conference speech Ms Sturgeon reiterated her commitment to these measures, saying that she would continue to work for the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing. Ms Sturgeon also highlighted that that the Alcohol Bill was only part of a broader package of measures which need to be taken to change Scotland’s problematic relationship with alcohol, and spoke about the Government’s plan for tackling the problem, as outlined in the Government’s Alcohol Strategy. This includes investment in prevention treatment and services, as well as building an environment that supports culture change in the longer term. The Governments Framework for Action identifies the need for sustained action in four key areas: • reduced alcohol consumption; • supporting families and communities; • positive public attitudes, positive choices; • improved treatment and support. Ms Sturgeon explained that changing Scotland’s relationship with alcohol would require partnership working across sectors and services; health services, local government, the alcohol industry, the police and the third sector all have crucial parts to play in helping to develop and implement what will be a rolling programme of work over the coming months and years. Alanna Atkinson Alanna Atkinson, Choose Life Programme Manager, provided further insight into the links between suicide and alcohol by giving the national Choose Life perspective. Launched in December 2002 - as part of the National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing - Choose Life is a 10 year plan aimed at reducing suicides in Scotland by 20% by 2013. 5
Page 2 and 3: CONTENTS Background 3 Introduction
Page 6 and 7: Alanna highlighted some startling s
Page 8 and 9: pointed to the effectiveness of lim

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