410.626.01 ALCOHOL, SOCIETY AND HEALTH

Examines alcohol use and alcohol policy as social, behavioral and political phenomena. Reviews the history of alcohol policy in the United States, as well as U.S. and international epidemiological evidence regarding health harms and possible health benefits of alcohol use. Uses recent neurological research and social science research to inform the question of why people drink. Explores the evidence of effectiveness of various interventions, ranging from individual to structural, for preventing (in the case of underage and other high-risk populations) and reducing harmful use of alcohol.

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to: • Discuss the role of harmful use of alcohol in international health • Show familiarity with the evidence base for interventions to prevent and reduce harmful use of alcohol • Assess and create from the evidence base comprehensive strategies to reduce harmful use of alcohol and related health consequences • Recognize techniques and pitfalls in implementing effective strategies to reduce harmful use of alcohol and its consequences • Participate as informed public health practitioners and researchers in efforts to advance and translate research findings into practice regarding harmful use of alcohol