Australian Medical Association

The growing number of Australians at risk of serious chronic diseases from obesity, smoking and excess alcohol use is a major health challenge facing Australia. This AMA Policy Brief, Preventing Obesity, Smoking and Excess Alcohol Use, summarises some key measures that the AMA believes should be given priority in a National Preventative Health Strategy, including support for the preventative role of doctors and implementation of a number of targeted community-level measures.

Excess alcohol use, and the harms it produces, continue to be a  major health problem in Australia. It is crucial that alcohol policy is informed by pertinent and comprehensive evidence. This AMA Information Paper provides up to date information and data on alcohol consumption and harms in Australia.

This position statement details the measures the AMA believes are necessary to reduce the harms associated with excess consumption of alcohol in Australia. The AMA makes recommendations about prevention, early intervention and treatment regarding alcohol consumption, and include a focus on problem drinking among young Australians. This position statement is supported by an AMA background information paper on alcohol consumption and patterns of harm.

The AMA has made a submission to the Department of Health and Ageing in response to the report released by DoHA on the outcomes of the Point of Care Testing (PoCT) trial in general practice.

This submission responds to the options for prevention of obesity, smoking and harmful alcohol use that are explored in the National Preventative Health Taskforce discussion paper - Australia: The Healthiest Country by 2020. The submission emphasises the crucial role of doctors in providing preventative health care.

AMA Position Statement: Methamphetamine - 2008

Youth Health: Cannabis and your health

This submission discusses guidelines being considered by the NHMRC for low-risk alcohol consumption. The AMA agrees with the 3 draft guidelines, subject to a number of qualifications, which it argues the NHMRC should seriously consider.

AMA Position Statement: Principles in Relation to Harm Caused by Substance Use and/or Compulsive Behaviour - 2006

AMA Position Statement: Cannabis - 2006

This position statement details the harms of tobacco smoking and the measures needed to increase cessation and reduce initiation of tobacco use.

AMA Position Statement: Doctors' Relationships with the Pharmaceutical Industry - 1994. Revised 2002

AMA Position Statement: Drugs in Sport - 2000

Alcohol is one of the most commonly used drugs in Australia. People drink to relax, celebrate, have fun, gain confidence and forget problems. It is a depressant drug, which means it slows down the activity of the brain and the central nervous system. In moderation alcohol is not harmful to most people. However, excessive drinking can cause a number of social, personal and health problems. When people are not 100% in control of their speech, movement and judgement it can lead to accidents, drink driving,

Youth Health: Drugs

Youth Health: Smoking

AMA Position Statement: Preventive Medicine - 1998

AMA Position Statement: Use And Misuse Of Medicines And Drugs - 1998