Alcohol

Beau Kilmer, codirector of the RAND Drug Policy Research Center, discusses the 24/7 Sobriety Project, which requires those arrested for or convicted of alcohol-related offenses to take twice-a-day breathalyzer tests or wear a continuous monitoring bracelet. Those who fail or skip their tests are immediately subject to modest sanctions—typically a day or two in jail.

This commentary appeared on Newsday on September 14, 2012.

New York City's just-approved ban on serving sugar-sweetened beverages larger than 16 ounces, along with the decision by McDonald's to post calories on menu boards nationwide, signal a new era in efforts to control the obesity epidemic. And as we navigate this future, it's worth taking a look at similar campaigns in our country's past.

Two hundred years ago, America was considered a nation of drunkards. Alcohol was the beverage of choice, in part because people didn't have access to potable water or couldn't trust the local water supply. Alcohol was served to all, even children. The tavern was the key social institution in town. Employers gave workers allotments of rum. Abundant corn crops were difficult to ship, so settlers transformed them into abundant supplies of whiskey.

In honor of National Underage Drinking Prevention Day, there will be a live, interactive webcast today (May 21) about successful approaches and resources to prevent underage drinking.

The event is free, and sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)/Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.

The webcast will take place 1–2:30 p.m. EDT and can be viewed at https://www.stopalcoholabuse.gov/TownHallMeetings/resources/trainings/webcasts/getting-to-outcomes/default.aspx.