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Being neurodiverse in a neurotypical world
A growing number of people are sharing their experiences of living with autism and/or ADHD as an adult and how this places additional pressures on their life, relationships, and mental health, and how this can lead to them using alcohol as a means to try to cope with the stresses that this causes.
But in a world that makes few allowances for neurological differences, it can be more challenging for neurodiverse people who are struggling with their drinking to find treatment services that work for them, as they aren’t always set up in ways they can easily access.
We take a look at this issue in our latest factsheet and share some practical steps that alcohol treatment services can take to become more person-centred and neurodiversity-friendly.
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Join us for the Alcohol Change UK annual conference
Join us for our annual online conference, 'Clearing the obstacle course: Removing barriers to alcohol treatment and support', on 9 and 10 October 2024, where we'll explore how alcohol treatment services can reach and engage more people and communities.
Speakers over the two half-days include:
- Dr James Brown, ADHDadultUK, on supporting adults with ADHD
- Michelle Gavin, Friends, Families and Travellers, on making alcohol support accessible to Gypsy and Traveller communities
- Louise McIvor, LGBT Foundation, on mutual aid for LGBTQ+ people affected by drugs, alcohol and chemsex
- Dr Jo-Anne Puddephatt, Edge Hill University, on mental health and alcohol in minority ethnic communities
- Mike Ward, Alcohol Change UK, on why waiting for alcohol-dependent drinkers to show enthusiasm for change is often a mistake
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New research project – Invitation to tender
We are commissioning a new research project to better understand sociodemographic differences in the reach and use of our Try Dry® app. The deadline for submissions is 9am on Monday, 7 October 2024.
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Analysis of drinking in Scotland post-minimum unit pricing published
An investigation into patterns of drinking in Scotland after the introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) has been published. The investigation used three national surveys to assess the impact of MUP there and found that alcohol consumption declined from 2012 and then dropped further upon MUP’s enactment. A significant decline was recorded among moderate drinkers, but less so among higher risk drinkers.
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Drink-driving deaths at highest for 13 years
New figures from the Department for Transport show that in 2022, there were 300 deaths in Great Britain where at least one driver was over the limit. The figure is the highest since 2009, when there were 380 deaths. Since then, yearly estimates have not exceeded 260 and reached a low of 200 in 2015. Drink-drive fatalities made up 18% of all road deaths in 2022, according to the new statistics.
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Largest ever trial of ketamine to treat alcohol use to launch
The largest ever trial to investigate whether ketamine-assisted therapy could help people struggling with alcohol problems to stop drinking is now recruiting participants. The trial, led by the University of Exeter, will initially be delivered at eight NHS sites across the UK, and follows previous trials which showed combined ketamine and therapy treatment was safe and tolerable for people with severe alcohol use disorder.
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Join us for the Dry January® 10k!
Join us in 2025 for the return of our Dry January® 10k, a sporty celebration of Dry January® and an embrace of new year running adventures.
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Get kitted up: our new merch
We have a growing collection of new merch, including drinks bottles, pin badges, T-shirts and hoodies. All proceeds support our work to end alcohol harm, so you can look good and do good at the same time.
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Celebrating my sobriety through poetry
Sven turned their back on their dreams due to alcohol. But, thanks to the compassion of one HR Manager they are five years sober, have rediscovered their zest for life and are celebrating their sobriety through poetry.
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Sean's story – breaking free of the drinking loop
After years of drinking, former DJ turned fitness coach, Sean, managed to break free of the toxic loop of drinking he found himself in by discovering the benefits of exercise. Now he helps others do the same.
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