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I wish my comments and ideas to be noted and considered for the preparation of the Plan of Action on Alcohol Misuse.
My “TRIAL” campaign for spreading the truth about alcohol is now in its third year. I have been aided amongst others by Jim Murphy, M.P. As an alcoholic in my fourth year of recovery, and having received detox treatment, I need to make my voice heard.
I strongly believe that TRUTH (or lack of) is at the heart of the alcohol problem in Scotland, and the rest of the U.K. Also, the conditioning of our people towards living with a low self-esteem, which delivers so many into the clutches of alcohol and drugs in the first place, also must be addressed.
There are many people working on the details, statistics, etc. Rather than systematically list the problems which alcohol use/misuse causes, most of which were mentioned in the members’ debate on 9th November 2000, I will concentrate on what I believe has to be done to remedy this shameful condition of our nation.
THE SOLUTIONS:
TRUTH: about alcohol must be made known so that every drinker can make an EDUCATED choice. The message from the media is overwhelmingly in favour of taking unhealthy levels of alcohol. Glamorous adverts, “laddish” TV and films, alcohol-soaked soap operas normalising daily alcohol use, all add to this. I suggest that “product placement” of alcohol in films and TV be made illegal. All people in the media must be expected to have a more responsible attitude, otherwise an informed choice is not available for most people.
EDUCATE ALL people that they have the opportunity to make a proper decision. It is especially important to educate people of “addictive natures.” Myself and many others have this condition, and few know about it. Children who smoke and drink are more likely to take illicit drugs (and therefore develop addiction problems on several fronts). Some people are much more at risk of becoming addicted than others, and people should be aware that this danger exists.
Health education seems to dwell almost solely on the physical effects of alcohol. The mental problems caused are worse for many people, and this important issue must be made known to everyone.
PEER PRESSURE: Let’s engineer a society where healthy living and clear thinking are considered the “norm” and desirable. This could be done via the media, schools, sports centres, religious organisations. Demonize alcohol and drugs by presenting the facts and instilling in people the terrible truth of the damage they cause, versus the joy of being sober.
Some sort of mascot could be employed which could resemble a big healthy Scot. This mascot could then be placed everywhere alcohol is available. The mascot could also be used against drugs and tobacco, and poor diets. We must *REVERSE THE CURRENT FASHIONS*
ABANDON THE CONFUSING MESSAGES ABOUT ALCOHOL: We often hear of the alleged health benefits of alcohol. We should stop such messages because such an addictive substance does not warrant such a sweeping statement about health. Cannabis, opiates and other illicit and abused drugs are beneficial for health in VERY CERTAIN AND CONTROLLED circumstances, but are generally dangerous and should never be taken for pleasure. It is folly to suggest (especially in Scotland) that alcohol can be considered as a tonic.
The concern (excuse) about the number of jobs in Scotland which relies on the manufacture and supply of alcohol should be dropped. It should not be a factor in the Plan at all. People MUST come before profits.
It is ironic that so many people express the view that the drinks industry should be given a voice in these matters. The alcohol industry needs to be regulated, not allowed to call the shots. Consider their recent “innovations” for society: “alcopops,” a highly sinister (and successful) attempt to ensnare children at ever younger ages. Then there is the new trend of putting spirit and mixer in the same bottle, and making them easily available in off-license and supermarket refrigerators. The consistent irresponsibility of the alcohol industry should not entitle their representatives to influence this Strategy. While some members of the alcohol industry may be interested in the damage their product inflicts, at the end of the day they are expected to make ever large profits.
ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT ALTERNATIVES: Encourage creative activities and sport; also community projects. For example, each town/district could have a specific community project with varied tasks needed for the involvement of everyone. E.g. restoration of historic sites, building/restoring community buildings, beautification of eyesores, providing entertainment in hospitals/schools/old people’s homes. There are endless ways of involving people to keep busy (thus avoiding alcohol and drugs), and to build up their self-esteem, and to feel part of society again. Society greatly benefits too.
ALCOHOL ADVICE CENTRES: Not only to advise on health information and supply treatment, but which would provide information, and match suitable people on the above community programmes. They should also offer employment (e.g. in council/community/charitable projects) - employers could be offered financial incentives to employ clean alcoholics. They should also assist in securing housing in return for a written undertaking to receive treatment.
TREATMENT: My detoxification was successful when I eventually received proper help, but many doctors I sought help from were woefully inadequate to deal with my problems. All doctors should be properly educated in alcohol/drugs issues (the alcohol advice centres, above, could be a short-term remedy to this).
I mentioned that there are problems with our people’s self-esteem, thus it is easier for many of us to dull the senses with chemicals rather than find permanent, safe methods to improve ourselves. I therefore call for mental health issues to be vigorously promoted. People should know that there ARE treatments available for all sorts of personal problems which may seem insurmountable to the individual. Again it comes down to education. Would it not be a sensible step to promote health in schools, by way of regular comprehensive lessons, covering ALL areas?
In conclusion, huge problems require radical solutions. The members of the Scottish Executive need to move forward with full purpose of heart to implement the measures needed to help those already in trouble, and to raise a new educated, aware, and responsible generation.
I look forward to being of further help if called upon.
Yours sincerely,
Stewart J. Cowan
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