The management of alcohol abuse in the Royal Navy

This paper offers a brief outline of the current Royal Naval policy on alcohol abuse. It starts by setting the Navy's problem in the context of a widespread social phenomenon. Attention is then drawn to the peculiar stressors of a military environment which may contribute to the development of problems in certain individuals. From this introduction, the practical implications of the policy are made explicit. This has two main strands; education and dealing with problem drinkers. The use of education to prevent the development of alcohol-related difficulties at a general, whole force and specific divisional/management level is described. The identification and management of problem drinkers is also outlined. This is followed by a discussion of the policy which concludes with the listing of its strengths as perceived by its operators.