AMA National Alcohol Summit

The AMA hosted a National Alcohol Summit in Canberra on 28-29 October. AMA President, A/Prof Brian Owler, said that doctors are often at the frontline dealing with the effects of drinking. The devastating effects of excess alcohol use are comprehensive, and their prevalence is far-reaching. The event brought together representatives from government, community leaders, medical and health experts, police, families of victims, and other stakeholders to develop practical measures and enduring solutions to alcohol-related harms in the Australian community.

The Summit looked at the impact of excessive alcohol use across different domains including alcohol-related violence and the social costs of alcohol; culture, advertising and sport; the harmful use of alcohol in Indigenous communities; and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.