Reducing and preventing alcohol misuse and its consequences: A Grand Challenge for social work

Abstract

Begun, A., Clapp, J., & The Alcohol Misuse Grand Challenge Collective (2016). Reducing and preventing alcohol misuse and its consequences: A Grand Challenge for social work.  The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 5 (2), 73-83. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v5i2.223 In both the United States and throughout the world, alcohol misuse is associated with high rates of morbidity, mortality, and cooccurring physical and mental health problems. It causes an array of acute and chronic problems and contributes to extensive costs in every sector of society (e.g., health, mental health, education, legal, economic productivity). The scientific discovery, development, and implementation of evidence-informed solutions for alleviating alcohol-related problems are inherently multisectoral, as they affect individuals, families, communities, and larger social systems. The advent of new technologies, research approaches, and intervention strategies has dramatically accelerated positive results in addressing such problems over the past 40 years. Still, alcohol misuse remains a significant global problem, and reducing and preventing its consequences is a Grand Challenge for Social Work. This paper addresses the following points about the challenge: (1) it is large, important, and compelling; (2) it can be analyzed and assessed; (3) demonstrable progress can be made in a decade; (4) multisectoral collaboration is required to meet this challenge; and (5) sustainable solutions to the challenge require significant, transformative, and groundbreaking innovations.