ALCOHOL IN THE WIDE WORLD: A SERIES OF COMMISSIONED EDITORIALS

Abstract

Addiction is setting up a series of editorials which will provide updated pictures on national experiences with, and responses to alcohol, drawn from around the world. The journal is immensely grateful to the people who have agreed to help. It is, of course, impossible to cover the whole globe, but there will be statements from every continent and from the developed as well as the developing world. The launch piece comes from Russia (Nemtsov 2005) and as well as telling us about the current situation in that country, it provides a deep historical perspective. Why this initiative? Addiction is in general intensely committed to the strengthening of international communication in its field and we believe that our readers will value updated accounts of what is happening with alcohol across a broad spectrum of nations and cultures. People may these days often watch the same cable television, pay homage to the same pop idols, sip the same cola, but the world of drinking is still one of very diverse experiences. So far this series has lined up editorials from Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Russia. If there is anyone from another country who would like to make a contribution we would be delighted to hear from them. Contact Patricia Davis at p.davis@iop.kcl.ac.uk for the series guidelines for authors.