Drinking Patterns

How much alcohol individuals consume is an important predictor of potential harm.  However, measured across populations, consumption levels do not differentiate between groups of individuals whose drinking is problematic and those who are not likely to experience harm.   Drinking patterns describe the many facets of how people drink.  They take into account the social context of drinking, the role of alcohol in different cultures and the variations in behaviors among drinkers.  Research into patterns has yielded a wealth of information that can be used to relate drinking to possible outcomes. For many individuals, outcomes are positive – enjoyment, benefits to health and enhanced quality of life; for others, they are negative – accidents and injuries, chronic health problems or dependence.   On a broader level, these diverse drinking patterns are also reflected in a range of social and economic outcomes.  As a result, drinking patterns offer a basis for the development of sound policies that are aimed at specific populations and at reducing the potential for harm.

ICAP Blue Book
Practical Guides for Alcohol Policy
and Prevention Approaches

The ICAP Blue Book offers a comprehensive guide to the key issues in alcohol policy development, and an integrated approach to prevention. It draws upon the best available research and experience from around the world.

As a policy guide, the ICAP Blue Book is based on three principles:

drinking patterns and their outcomes as a sound scientific basis for policy development;

targeted interventions that address specific "at-risk" populations, potentially harmful contexts and drinking patterns;

partnerships that allow the inclusion of the public and private sectors, the community and civil society all working towards a common goal.

It is intended as a tool to assist those seeking guidance in developing policy and prevention approaches, be they governments, intergovernmental organizations, public health officials and specialists, researchers, non-governmental organizations, the beverage alcohol industry and its related bodies, or civil society organizations interested in alcohol policy development.

Click here for the entire ICAP Blue Book.