Consumption

The politics of inaction: why alcohol policy can’t wait

Jem Roberts argues that the government’s failure to include proven alcohol policies like minimum unit pricing in its 10-Year Health Plan is a political misstep...

Alcohol’s harm is likely underestimated and its benefits inflated: Lessons from recent expert reports

Recent expert reviews diverge sharply on the health impacts of moderate drinking, but deeper analysis reveals alcohol’s harms are likely underestimated and its supposed benefits...

False friends? Calls for Pride rethink on alcohol industry partnerships as LGBT+ community members give thumbs down

Is the alcohol industry really an ally to the LGBT+ community? A new blog from Alcohol Focus Scotland's David Barbour explores the impact of alcohol...

Why are we still not telling the public the truth about alcohol and cancer?

Alcohol causes 7 types of cancer, yet public awareness remains dangerously low, partly due to industry-led misinformation. For Cancer Prevention Action Week 2025, the World...

Double-Edged Swords: Motivation and “alcoholic” identity in alcohol-related cirrhosis

Many patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis are highly motivated to stay abstinent - but reject support, believing willpower alone will be enough. This new study explores...

We know MUP works – but we can make it even better

In a recent report, the Social Market Foundation recommended introducing a Minimum Unit Tax (MUT) if Minimum Unit Pricing is introduced in England. Barney Dowling,...

Young People, Alcohol and Risk: A Culture of Caution

A new book explores why young people in high-income countries are drinking less, linking the decline to growing health consciousness, closer parental relationships, and a...

Harm reduction as a rational response to irrational drinking

Dr Haydock argues that alcohol policy should reflect the complex, often irrational motivations behind drinking, especially in social and nightlife contexts. By adopting a harm...

Men bear the brunt of alcohol harm – so why the focus on women?

Despite men drinking more and experiencing more alcohol-related harm, a new study has found that women are the focus of more research, particularly relating to...

Are teenage alcohol-related harms matching declines in consumption?

Teen drinking has fallen significantly across high-income countries - but have alcohol-related harms kept pace? New research reveals a mixed picture, especially for girls.

France’s drinking dilemma: Why young adults buck the global trend

Unlike many Western countries where youth drinking is declining, alcohol use among young adults in France has remained stable over the past two decades. Dr...

Despite what many parents think, allowing teenagers to try alcohol at any age is harmful

Allowing teenagers to try alcohol with parental permission increases their risk of harmful drinking in young adulthood, regardless of the age they are introduced. This...

Policies that single out pregnant people’s drinking aren’t working, but there are other policies that appear to help

Professor Sarah Roberts looks at the most effective ways of reducing drinking among pregnant people.

Gone but not forgotten: Why was the Northern Territory’s Minimum Unit Price removed?

Why has Australia's Northern Territory ended its Minimum Unit Pricing policy? And do the arguments the governing Country Liberal Party (CLP) made against the policy...

How could the US-EU alcohol tariff war affect alcohol consumption and harm?

How could a 200% US tariff on EU alcohol impact consumption and harm? Dr Norman Giesbrecht and Professor Tim Stockwell explore the potential consequences on...

“A meal is a way of connecting with somebody”

Alcohol Change UK's 'Feeding Recovery Project' guides local services on providing food support for people in addiction recovery, emphasising nutrition's role in health and well-being.

Rainbow-washing or genuine allyship? How alcohol companies target the LGBTQ+ community

Alcohol companies market heavily to LGBTQ+ communities, portraying themselves as allies while profiting from higher alcohol consumption rates among these groups. This blog critiques their...

‘Dark Apps’ uncovered: popular alcohol tracking apps backed by the alcohol industry mislead users

Apps to reduce drinking that are provided by alcohol industry-funded charities have been found to contain misinformation and may even increase drinking. Dr Roy-Highley and...

Alcohol calorie labelling might help change drinking habits

A UCL study found that 46% of UK alcohol consumers might change their drinking habits if calorie labels were introduced, supporting their potential role in...

It’s just a matter of time: drone-delivered alcohol in your neighbourhood

Drone delivery of alcohol poses risks by significantly increasing availability, affordability, and convenience, potentially driving higher consumption and harm. Professor Simone Pettigrew argues for the...