Alcohol and head trauma: Strategies for prevention

Abstract

Alcohol use plays a role in a substantial percentage of head injuries. The past decade has witnessed the rise of a significant public health movement to prevent alcohol-related injuries. This movement calls attention to the environment in which alcohol use occurs, including the institutions and regulatory and legislative structures that promote high-risk use of alcohol. Taxation, advertising, and physical availability policies are all targets of alcohol policy reform efforts. This article describes the research basis for the new approach, why health professionals should become involved, and the new skills that health professionals will need.