Reducing the health risks derived from exposure to addictive substances

Purpose of reviewTo discuss the health risks due to exposure to alcohol, illegal drugs and nicotine and how these risks might be reduced.Recent findingsIn 2016, worldwide, alcohol, illegal drugs and nicotine were responsible for some 10 million deaths. There is evolutionary and biological evidence that humans are predisposed to consuming alcohol, illegal drugs and nicotine - present-day problems are caused by high levels of potency, exposure and drug delivery systems. The two priority substances for action are alcohol and smoked cigarettes; their exposure can be reduced by price increases, setting minimum prices per product, regulating a shift form smoked cigarettes to electronic nicotine delivery devices and, theoretically, reducing the ethanol content of existing beverages. Legalization of cannabis requires a strict regulatory framework.SummaryPurposeful policy can reduce the harm done by alcohol, illegal drugs and nicotine. In particular, policy to reduce exposure to alcohol requires considerable strengthening.