Alcohol use disorder is a global public health concern and national policies are often implemented to help control alcohol consumption and related consequences. Increasingly, many countries are resorting to transient (short-term) alcohol policies which are implemented for a restricted period of time as an action plan for particular events or health-related issues. The COVID-19 pandemic emphasised the need for rapid decision-making and short-term fast-acting policies. This paper discusses contexts in which these transient policies are used and highlights the need for impact measurement and global exchange of experiences. This is particularly important to avoid gaps that the global alcohol industry could utilise to expand its influence and market.

Buprenorphine is prescribed as a treatment for opioid dependence (Barnett et al, 2001; Lintzeris et al, 2002). Methadone substitute prescribing is the primary maintenance treatment in Britain and is well established (Ward, 1997). Despite the advantages of methadone maintenance there are associated disadvantages, including potential death following overdose, the inconvenience of daily dosing, the risk of the drug being used by others and stigma (Walsh, 1994).