The Classification and Organisation of Alcohol Misuse Prevention with a Focus on Environmental Prevention

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Classifying prevention as universal, selective or indicated only considers the form of interventions. This is limited as it fails to explain the function, or purpose, of interventions. This paper discusses a taxonomy for alcohol misuse prevention that considers both the form and function of prevention interventions. It adds to the previous literature by incorporating subcategories of classification for environmental prevention. Recent Findings: Within each taxonomy category there are interventions which are more, and less effective, but not one single category has comprehensive evidence of efficacy. Environmental prevention may have the greatest potential to deliver interventions that are efficient, cost effective and reduce health inequalities. However, comprehensive, systems oriented, prevention coverage should combine all three functional approaches. Summary: This taxonomy can be used to organise and classify alcohol misuse prevention interventions and to determine where alcohol misuse prevention strategies and research is warranted. Furthermore, it can help practitioners and researchers to consider the subcategories of environmental prevention: an area that is rapidly gaining traction in the prevention field.