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Wallack, L.; and Holder, H. In Control issues in alcohol abuse prevention: Strategies for states and communities pgs. 65-82 , Greenwich: JAI Press (1987) The alcohol-prevention community is at the crest of a new wave. Emerging programs and policies reflect a radically different understanding of alcohol problems and how to solve them. This new generation of prevention approaches is much more sophisticated in recognizing the complexity of alcohol-related problems. At the same time, these approaches are pragmatic in design and implementation. One drawback of proliferating approaches is our lack of a comprehensive perspective. We need a framework to understand such variety, and we need a coordinated and integrated public policy for reducing alcohol-related problems. This paper proposes a systems approach for integrating the diverse strategies presented in this book. In this chapter we review the limitations of current thinking and approaches, summarize the philosophical underpinnings of a systems perspective, and outline how to take a holistic approach to reducing alcohol-related problems.
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