Citation

Cisler RA, Hargarten SW. WMJ Wis. Med. J. 2000; 99(3): 71-78.

Affiliation

Center for Addiction and Behavioral Health Research, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 53201-0786, USA. rac@uwm.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Wisconsin Medical Society)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10927987

Abstract

This paper illustrates the application of a Public Health Model toward understanding the nature and extent of alcohol-related problems and, in turn, provides examples of strategies targeted at reducing or preventing alcohol-related illness, injury and death in Wisconsin and Milwaukee County. More specifically, data are provided detailing the widespread use and misuse of alcohol as well as the medical, behavioral and social problems associated with its use. Alcohol use and misuse is the third leading cause of preventable death behind only tobacco use and diet/activity patterns, and therefore, warrants the implementation of prevention strategies from a public health perspective. In sum, the public health model specifies three interrelated factors--the host, the agent or vehicle, and the environment--that focus strategies to reduce and/or prevent illness, injury and death. The paper concludes with specific examples of alcohol-related public health strategies targeting the host (e.g., youth and families, minority groups), the agent/vehicle (e.g., alcohol content, labeling of containers, large containers), and the environment (e.g., motor vehicle operation BAC limits, zero tolerance laws, alcohol advertising).