A Framework Convention on Alcohol Control

摘要

International conventions exist to control narcotics, psychotropic substances, tobacco, and doping in sport. But when it comes to alcohol-the drug that causes 4% of global deaths and disability-nearly as much as tobacco (4-1%) and five times the burden of illicit drugs-no similar legally binding agreement has been sought. In many cultures, alcohol has long been considered in a more salubrious, socially acceptable light than other drugs. This attitude might be because of the putative health benefits associated with moderate drinking. Or perhaps it is due to the popularity of alcohol among higher socioeconomic groups, who, in many countries, are more likely to drink and more likely to drink regularly, while lower socioeconomic groups are more likely to smoke. Public-health advocates have also been lenient on the alcoholic beverage industry compared with big tobacco