"The Alcohol Report" sets out to provide, in non-technical terms, a considered, authoritative and informative review of some of the key topics likely to interest those with a serious interest in the facts about alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems. In addition, it is hoped that "The Alcohol Report" will be helpful to a wide range of people whose work is likely to bring them into contact with drinking and "problem drinking". "The Alcohol Report" should also be of interest to those with personal experience of alcohol problems, the drinkers themselves, their friends and family members. The topics covered in this book include the negative and positive effects of alcohol, the effects of heavy drinking during pregnancy, reasons why alcohol problems develop, national and international trends in alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems, the economics of the alcohol market and the costs of alcohol problems, harm minimization strategies, health promotion, treatment, support and counselling for problem drinkers. The latter include both "conventional approaches" such as psychologically-oriented treatments and home detoxification, together with complementary therapies.