Policy and Politics of Alcohol Treatment - with Dr. Peter Rice
Description
Welcome to this episode, where I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Peter Rice, a true heavyweight in the world of alcohol policy.
Today, we’re tackling the crucial question: can government policies actually reduce the harm caused by alcohol? Spoiler alert: yes, they can, and Peter is here to explain how.
As an addiction psychiatrist with decades of experience, Peter’s insights are invaluable. We discuss everything from Scotland’s bold move with minimum unit pricing to the broader implications for public health, not just in the UK but worldwide.
If you’re curious about how policy shapes behaviour and saves lives, this is a must-listen.
Here are the highlights:
(5:06 ) Dr. Rice's career and interest in alcohol
(9:16 ) Scotland's higher alcohol prevalence and policy influence
(16:04 ) Impact of minimum unit pricing in Scotland
(34:45 ) Policy mistakes and successes in alcohol treatment
(40:35 ) Role of private provision in alcohol treatment
(52:05 ) Challenges and opportunities in alcohol policy
More about Peter:
Peter Rice is an Addiction Psychiatrist based in Scotland. He was Chair of Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems, a project of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, from 2012-2020. He was one of the group of doctors who campaigned for evidence-based policy in Scotland, leading to the introduction of Minimum Unit Price and a national screening and brief intervention programme.
He is:
- President of the European Alcohol Policy Alliance, EUROCARE
- Chair of the Institute of Alcohol Studies (UK)
- Consultant to WHO Europe
- Past Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland
He worked in clinical practice for 23 years in an NHS Alcohol Problems Service. He applied population health principles to his clinical service with a focus on prevention, early intervention, and care pathways, leading to increasing involvement in policy work at national and international levels. His work with the Royal College of Psychiatrists focused on the impact of mental and behavioural health on population health and health inequalities.
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