The Australian organization, the Alcohol Education Rehabilitation Foundation, recently teamed with the Distilled Spirits Industry Council of Australia (DSICA) to conduct a survey that yielded more than 1,000 respondents; the finding were startling, roughly 80% of Australians surveyed believed there is a national drinking problem.  That almost a 20% increase from the same survey that was given last year, which resulted in a 63% acknowledgment of a national drinking problem.

ABC Australia reported that Scott Wilson, the chairman of The Alcohol Education Rehabilitation Foundation said, “The swing in attitude can be largely attributed to government efforts to put binge drinking on the national agenda.”  In short, a new government initiative to raise awareness of binge drinking has been effective.  However, it seems that the government may have to step up there efforts as, “Almost 100 per cent of respondents agreed the responsibility to help communities with alcohol problems should be shared between governments, alcohol manufacturers, alcohol retailers, individuals and the health and not-for-profit sector,” according to ABC Australia.

The Australian Centre for Addiction Research (ACAR) combines a network of academic professionals scientists and clinicians involved in managing and preventing addictive behaviors. Just some of the ACAR’s objectives are to advance the understanding of brain activity and its relationship to mental health and addictive behaviors and provide consultation services to government and non-government organizations. In addition, the ACAR promotes clinical research focusing on applied issues related to mental health and addiction.

Some of the ACAR’s areas of expertise include:

-Promoting community involvement

-Training health professionals

-Implementing clinical research

-Clinical expertise

-Evaluating innovative clinical research

The ACAR is committed to conducting innovative research, and applying the knowledge and policies to improve the health status of the Australian community. The ACAR also offers a range of training opportunities to professionals and students from a variety of disciplines. Training opportunities include:

-Relapse prevention programs

-Controlled drinking programs

-Suicide risk reduction programs

-Community reinforcement programs

-Guided self-change programs for alcohol and other substances

The ACAR has helped countless patients to date. “The program has guided me to stop and think before I drink. Plus, by doing four alcohol-free days per week I am reducing my overall intake and consequently improving my health and self-esteem.” Reads one testimonial. “It is so good to assess urges and override them. Thank you for my new awareness and sensitive consideration before that first drink.” Check out the Australian Centre for Addiction Research on-line at www.acar.net.au