Alcohol policies must operate within a reasonable and well-defined regulatory framework. However, the risk for harm related to alcohol consumption may be heightened for certain individuals, within certain contexts, and around certain behaviors. These require a more nuanced approach, relying on targeted interventions that can be tailored to particular situations and needs.
Targeted interventions are used to reduce the potential for harm by specifically and selectively focusing on problematic drinking patterns: those individuals, behaviors, and settings where risk for harm from drinking may be increased.
Targeted interventions are a pragmatic approach to reducing risk.
- They specifically address harm where it occurs and can be tailored to address individual, societal, and cultural differences.
- They do not require structural change or legislation for implementation and can make use of resources that are available.
- By virtue of their specificity, they avoid many unintended outcomes and are responsive to the immediacy of community and local-level needs.
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