An organization established in 1950 to help unite the efforts of leading citizens of various nations interested in solving the problems arising from beverage alcohol. In harmony with the trend of modern medicine, the emphasis of the commission is toward prevention rather than cure. Though the organization, whose program is exclusively of an educational nature, is recognized as nonsectarian and nonpolitical, Seventh-day Adventists took a leading part in launching the organization.
The commission consists of approximately 250 members chosen from every country on the basis of its respective population. Thomas R. Neslund now serves as ICPA executive director; Lincoln Steed is associate director.
The immediate objective of the commission is the setting up of affiliated National Committees in all major countries. W. A. Scharffenberg, instigator of the ICPA, along with Dr. Andrew C. Ivy and Dr. Haven Emerson, established the first National Committee in the United States in 1952. The major objective of each National Committee is to set up an Institute of Scientific Studies in strategic areas that will provide scientific training and conduct research work in all phases of the alcohol problem. Many such institutes have been established.
The commission also prepares and publishes authoritative materials for teachers and professional temperance workers, and for use in general educational work, and fosters a worldwide program for the prevention of alcoholism through films, forums, and radio and television programs. A book, Toward Prevention, has been published, featuring the best lectures during a 10-year period, and a series of basic scientific articles has been prepared in brochure form for distribution among professional groups. The organization sponsors a newsletter known as the ICPA Reporter, designed to keep members of the commission informed on the latest methods being used to check the rise and spread of alcoholism.
The commission endeavors to put the spotlight of science on alcohol in order to show alcohol’s effects on the individual and the nation, and to encourage and publicize the educational, legislative, and social measures that have been effectively used against alcohol in various parts of the world.