The objectives of the Plan are to:

• generate greater awareness of, provide education in, and build up support for public health policies that prevent harm from alcohol;
• reduce the risk of alcohol-related problems that may occur in the home, workplace, community or drinking environment;
• reduce both the breadth and depth of alcohol-related harm such as fatalities, accidents, violence, child abuse and neglect, and family crises;
• provide accessible and effective treatment for people with hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption and those with alcohol dependence;
• provide greater protection from the pressure to drink for children, young people and those who choose not to drink alcohol.

Aims and context
The Plan aims to reduce the harm caused by alcohol. Nevertheless, alcohol use by individuals and in the community cannot and should not be isolated from other factors, not least the use of other psychoactive substances.

Alcohol consumption is closely connected with a large number of accidents and health hazards, and the number of people dying of alcohol-related causes is closely associated with the total consumption in that society.

Young people and alcohol
Increasing evidence shows that drinking among young people is increasing. This raises growing concern in WHO, youth organizations and youth policy-makers, and public health circles. Some elements in the Action Plan are directly linked with young people, but the Stockholm Declaration on Young People and Alcohol lists further action.