Foreward

In many fields Europeans are strengthening their collaboration towards the construction of a more unified society.

In the alcohol field, the producers have shown the way in exploiting the economic potential of Europe which resulted from the Treaty of Rome. Far behind them, those working in public health are attempting to unite their efforts to ensure that the development of economic activity is not at the expense of people's health. Today they can rely on recent European treaties, in particular the Treaties of Maastricht and Amsterdam which include public health objectives.

The growing similarity in drinking habits among Europeans implies a convergence in the medical and social problems associated with alcohol and, consequently, in ways of tackling these problems. However, where medical practice is concerned, the national divisions arising from cultural differences remain.

Alcohol is now very much on the public health agenda in Europe, and the time was clearly right, therefore, for an inventory of the various national approaches to medical education about alcohol. Thanks to this study, we are made aware of the real European dimension to this subject. Alas, one of the main findings is that there are clear deficiencies in medical education about alcohol across the whole of Europe.

I hope that this report will lead to improved medical education, common standards, and bridges to be built between public health workers in the different countries of Europe.

We are grateful to Lipha, Affiliate of Merck KgaA, for commissioning and supporting this report, and to Andrew McNeill and the staff of the Institute of Alcohol Studies for their work in preparing it for publication.

Dr. Michel Craplet
Association Nationale de Prévention de l'Alcoolisme
20 rue Saint-Fiacre
75002 PARIS

Chairman
EUROCARE

This report is pblished in consultation with the World Health Organization
Regional Office for Europe