LICEO DE CAGAYAN UNIVERSITY

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

JOURNAL NO.7
Name: MA. EM CONCEPCION T. LAGARE Date: October 4, 2023
Group No. 2 CI: IMELDA P. AKUT, RN

Title of the Article:

Implementing Community-Level Policies to Prevent Alcohol Misuse

Source:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Implementing CommunityLevel
Policies to Prevent Alcohol Misuse. SAMHSA Publication No. PEP22-06-01-006. Rockville, MD:
National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration, 2022

Abstract:

Approximately 70 percent of adults in the United States report drinking alcohol in the past year, as do 30
percent of youth under the age of 21. Alcohol misuse is associated with a variety of harms that include
multiple health conditions, like high blood pressure, cancer, and other diseases; mental health disparities;
violence and crime; fatal and non-fatal motor vehicle crashes; and others, even death. As rates of alcohol
use and related harms continue to remain high, it is important for communities to know the most effective
options to prevent and reduce alcohol misuse. This guide provides an overview of effective prevention
policies that can be implemented at the local, state, tribal, and/or territorial levels. It lays out key
considerations and strategies for these policies, including the most equitable ways to implement and
enforce them. The guide illustrates how three United States communities have implemented these policies
and concludes with guidance on conducting policy evaluations.

Insights:

Alcohol misuse is a significant public health concern that affects individuals, families, and communities
worldwide. To combat this issue effectively, it is crucial to implement community-level policies aimed at
preventing alcohol misuse. This essay will provide insight into the importance of such policies and discuss the
findings of a research study on their implementation. Community-level policies play a pivotal role in reducing
alcohol-related harm by addressing the broader social and environmental factors that contribute to alcohol
misuse. These policies focus on regulating the availability, accessibility, and affordability of alcohol while
promoting responsible drinking behaviors. By targeting the entire community rather than individual drinkers,
these policies have the potential to create lasting change.

The success of implementing community-level policies can be attributed to several factors. Firstly,
collaboration between various stakeholders such as local government agencies, law enforcement authorities,
healthcare providers, and community organizations is essential for effective policy implementation. Secondly,
ongoing evaluation and monitoring are crucial to assess the impact of these policies and make necessary
adjustments if needed.

In conclusion, implementing community-level policies is vital for preventing alcohol misuse within society.
The research study discussed highlights their effectiveness in reducing alcohol-related harm at a community
level. It is imperative for policymakers to recognize the importance of such initiatives and work towards their
implementation with active involvement from all relevant stakeholders. By doing so, we can create healthier
communities where individuals can enjoy alcohol responsibly while minimizing its negative consequences