Commentary: The land of insurmountable opportunities

  • Robert W. Denniston Retired
Keywords: alcohol, drugs, industry, public policy

Abstract

Denniston, R. (2015). Commentary: The land of insurmountable opportunities. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 4(2), 97-99. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v4i2.207

Much is known about how to change alcohol policy to reduce harm, but despite the evidence little action has been taken at the
national level in the United States. Government officials have shown little interest in putting prevention research results to work.
The influence of the alcohol industry on policy-makers combined with free market ideology has thwarted change despite the
efforts of advocacy groups working to reduce harm. The role of the alcohol industry at the national and international level serves
as a powerful deterrent to policy change.

Author Biography

Robert W. Denniston, Retired

Recently retired after 36 years of federal service, including stints at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Office of National Drug Control Policy. He has been a long-time champion for prevention
policies and programs and has actively supported the Alcohol Policy Conferences. He received career recognition awards from the American
Public Health Association and the National Prevention Network

Published
2015-12-18
How to Cite
Denniston, R. W. (2015). Commentary: The land of insurmountable opportunities. International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research, 4(2), 97-99. https://doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v4i2.207
Section
Commentary