Introduction
Alcohol misuse and risky drinking are, in fact, a trending social problem in the community. Necessary steps are necessary to reduce the trend, in a bid to create productive people in the society. Research shows that, alcohol misuse starts as from early as high school level, with students explaining that the influence comes from parent and peers. The next affected level goes to college students, who start alcohol misuse and later find it hard to stop. Pressure from studies and the environment sees them misusing alcohol. The working class in the community abuse alcohol due to work related stress. The issue then leads to risky drinking whose effects are tremendous in the society. They range from unproductive people in the community, dangerous driving that may lead to dangerous accidents, diseases and infections such as liver cirrhosis, and neglecting of relationships such as those of family, friends and spouses (Hunt, 2009). These issues have profoundly affected my community. Using the Population-Based Intervention Model, the paper will analyze effective methods from downstream, midstream and finally upstream, which would help to curb this issue out of the community (Mckinlay, 1995). Each process chosen will range from the three streams included in the Population-Based intervention model.
Downstream Intervention
The effective method at this level in the community undoubtedly falls to Group and Individual Counseling. As stated earlier, alcohol misuse has its roots in high schools and the best way to avoid its growth is through this method. The method will be effective since counseling students not only in community high school level but also in college will have a positive effect. Group counseling will also range to other persons in the entire community such as workgroups. Individual counseling will target select persons who are affected either directly or indirectly by the trend. The counseling sessions will explain the disadvantages that come with alcohol misuse and help affected parties.
Midstream Intervention
The best intervention at this stage falls to Worksite and community-based health promotions/disease prevention Programs. The intervention is perfect for the community, as it will aim at both work places and other areas of the community. The other areas vary from schools to social groups in the community. The method is effective, as it will scope a larger clutch of people within a short period. The message to be spread will, therefore, gain a large podium and listening partners. The community-based health promotions will have similar programs tailored to educate the masses effectively on how misuse of alcohol affects lives and livelihood.
Upstream Intervention
The effective intervention at this stage falls to National Public education/Media campaigns. This is because technology is taking on a new stand in the society, where people rely heavily on the media (Institute of medicine USA, 2010). Through media campaigns, the public get to learn on risk hazardous associated with alcohol misuse. National Public Education gives the masses a chance to learn on proper control methods of alcohol, and measures to get help if the problem persists.
Conclusion
The society and community as a whole need change in order to counter the ever growing problem of alcohol misuse and risky drinking. Effective methods and interventions are thereby needed to counter this growing trend (Lundy & Janes, 2009). The interventions provided in the three streams will serve the community and state, as well. The methods will undoubtedly reduce alcohol misuse and risky drinking in the community and state.
References
Hunt, R. (2009). Introduction to community-based nursing. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer
Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
J.B. McKinlay, “The New Public Health Approach to Improving Physical Activity and Autonomy
in Older Populations,” in Preparation for Aging, ed. E. Heikkinen (New York:
Plenum Press, 1995), 87–103.
Institute of Medicine (U.S.). (2010). A population-based policy and systems change approach to
prevent and control hypertension. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.
Lundy, K. S., & Janes, S. (2009). Community health nursing: Caring for the public’s health.
Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
