The prevailing neo-prohibitionist approach to reducing alcohol problems is generally ineffective, often counter-productive, and is doomed to failure. This work is to promote an effective alternative strategy to reducing the incidence of alcohol problems. The thesis is that a socio-cultural approach would be effective, and therefore, that public policy should promote this approach. This work is expected to be controversial, and is hoped to form a pattern for reorientation of the current approach to alcohol abuse. Professionals in drug abuse education and treatment along with public policy makers and students in appropriate courses should be interested in the work.

Preface
Introduction
A Look Back
Alcohol Around the World
American Experiences with Alcohol and Resulting Approaches to Reducing the Alcohol Problems
Summary and Recommendations
Index

DAVID J. HANSON is Professor of Sociology at SUNY-Potsdam. A past president of the New York Sociological Association and recipient of the President's Award for Excellence in Research, he is the author of numerous works on alcohol and related subjects, including Alcohol Culture and Control (Praeger, 1995).