Presentation Information
[SY-15-02]Global and Japanese Advances in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders: Toward Achieving SDG Target 3.5
*TAKASHI SUNAMI (SAGA-KEN MEDICAL CENTRE KOSEIKAN(Japan))
Keywords:
alcohol dependence,reduced drinking,WHO,SAFER,SDGs 3.5
Alcohol-related problems remain a major global public health concern. In 2010, the World Health Organization adopted the Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol, outlining ten policy areas to guide national responses. In line with this, Japan enacted the Basic Act on Measures Against Alcohol-related Harm in 2013. This legislation established fundamental principles and responsibilities for national and local governments, and set forth ten core policy actions, including public awareness initiatives.
Historically, treatment in Japan focused exclusively on alcohol dependence, with abstinence as the only goal. However, in recent years, international guidelines recommend starting treatment in non-specialist healthcare settings and adopting a reduced-drinking goal for patients with mild to moderate alcohol dependence. To reflect this shift, Japanese academic societies developed the Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders in 2018, formally recognizing reduced drinking as a viable treatment target.
In addition to treating alcohol dependence, Japan is expanding its efforts to address heavy drinking, underage drinking, and alcohol use during pregnancy, guided by the Basic Act.
Globally, the WHO launched the SAFER initiative in 2018, a five-part policy package aimed at reducing harmful alcohol use through evidence-based strategies, including regulating availability, enforcing drink-driving laws, providing treatment access, restricting advertising, and increasing alcohol taxes.
Furthermore, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015 include Target 3.5, which calls for strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders, including harmful alcohol use.
This presentation will review the evolving approaches to alcohol-related treatment in Japan and abroad, and explore realistic and evidence-based strategies that mental health professionals can implement to contribute to achieving SDG Target 3.5.
Historically, treatment in Japan focused exclusively on alcohol dependence, with abstinence as the only goal. However, in recent years, international guidelines recommend starting treatment in non-specialist healthcare settings and adopting a reduced-drinking goal for patients with mild to moderate alcohol dependence. To reflect this shift, Japanese academic societies developed the Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders in 2018, formally recognizing reduced drinking as a viable treatment target.
In addition to treating alcohol dependence, Japan is expanding its efforts to address heavy drinking, underage drinking, and alcohol use during pregnancy, guided by the Basic Act.
Globally, the WHO launched the SAFER initiative in 2018, a five-part policy package aimed at reducing harmful alcohol use through evidence-based strategies, including regulating availability, enforcing drink-driving laws, providing treatment access, restricting advertising, and increasing alcohol taxes.
Furthermore, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015 include Target 3.5, which calls for strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders, including harmful alcohol use.
This presentation will review the evolving approaches to alcohol-related treatment in Japan and abroad, and explore realistic and evidence-based strategies that mental health professionals can implement to contribute to achieving SDG Target 3.5.