National Drug Observatories (NDOs) from Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries are gathering in Lisbon from 22–26 May for a week of activities under the COPOLAD III programme. 

The overarching theme of the initiative will be strengthening the technical capacity and institutional role of the NDOs.

The EMCDDA is an official partner of the programme, which promotes dialogue and bi-regional cooperation on drug policy between the European Union and LAC countries.

Abstract

Introduction

Alcohol screening, brief advice and referral to treatment (SBIRT) in primary health care is an effective strategy to decrease alcohol consumption at population level. However, there is relatively scarce evidence regarding its economic returns in non-high-income countries. The current paper aims to evaluate an SBIRT program in Mexican primary health-care settings.

Methods

Empirical data was collected from 17 primary healthcare centres in Mexico City regarding alcohol screening delivered by 145 healthcare providers. This data was combined with data from a simulation...