Alcohol-free drinks popular during pregnancy – but new research shows guidelines are lacking |
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New research by the University of Plymouth for Alcohol Change UK reveals that 71% of women consume alcohol-free or low-alcohol drinks during pregnancy. Topping their reasons for consuming these alternatives is safety and in order to still feel socially included. However, 57% say there’s insufficient guidance from trusted sources about these drinks, with many relying on the internet and social media for information and advice.
Read more about the findings and the recommendations in the report. |
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Alcohol duty to rise with inflation |
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At last week's Autumn Budget the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, announced that alcohol duty will continue to increase in line with inflation.
Welcoming the announcement, Alcohol Change UK CEO, Dr Richard Piper, said: “By keeping alcohol duty in line with inflation, the Government has taken a welcome step forward, while raising much needed revenue. This could see duty receipts rise to £14bn per year by 2030/31, which can be put to good use improving the nation’s health and public services.”
Read more about the Budget on our blog, including what alcohol duty is, and how raising it helps to reduce alcohol harm. |
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Improving housing for those with alcohol dependency and complex needs |
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Across the UK, people who are dependent on alcohol and have complex needs often struggle to find stable, appropriate housing. We’ve been working with local partners to find realistic, evidence-based ways to change this.
Building on our Blue Light Approach, we have developed two guidance documents on improving accommodation options for people with severe alcohol dependency and complex needs.
Together, these publications set out the strategy and the practical steps needed to help dependent drinkers achieve greater stability and greater progress towards recovery through improved housing, while reducing pressure on health, social care, and criminal justice systems. |
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10 Year Health Plan recommends policy change to “halve risky drinking” |
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| A new report from the Institute of Alcohol Studies has laid out a long-term vision for the UK where alcohol harm becomes rare. Targets include halving risky drinking, increasing treatment access, and reducing alcohol-specific deaths within the next decade. It recommends clear policy actions, including a 65p minimum unit price for alcohol in England, restoring duty escalators, restricting alcohol marketing, and boosting prevention and treatment services. |
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Take our half-day training course: Understanding addictive behaviours |
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When we understand the neuroscience of why we do the things we do, and the bio-psycho-social factors that surround behaviours, we can reduce stigma around addiction. This course explores how and why addictive behaviours occur and what wellbeing tools can be used to support behaviour change. Participants will understand what drives behaviour, and what the markers are to identify when behaviours become problematic. This course will examine the relationship between behaviour and stress, and how the technological advances of the 21st Century are fostering a culture where addictive behaviours can easily develop. It will examine key factors in behaviour change and practical wellbeing tools to sustain that change. Places are available on Wednesday 10 December, at 10am. For any course queries or to enquire about our other training opportunities, please email [email protected] |
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Boss your booze-free January with our free motivational emails |
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Whether it’s a hangover-free happier hour, an energy-boost for your next workout session, or a little extra cash in your pocket, the Dry January® challenge helps you boss your alcohol-free goals and reset your relationship with alcohol at the start of the year and beyond.
A month without alcohol gives amazing benefits, like more energy, a chance to save some money, improved concentration, boosted mood and so much more. Get ready for the Dry January® challenge and your chance for a total reset. Sign up for daily motivational emails and double your chance of having a totally alcohol-free month with amazing benefits that last. |
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Running a Dry January® challenge event in your community or workplace? Use our free digital resources to help you get started. |
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You can also buy Dry January® posters, calendars, wristbands, and mugs from our shop to use on your displays. |
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Jump on an early festive deal for the Dry January® 10k |
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Sign up for the Dry January® 10k between 1-25 December and get £5 off any entry type this festive season using code FESTIVE5. |
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Looking back at our impact |
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We're delighted to share our latest Annual Report for 2024-25 setting out what we've been doing to achieve our mission of significantly reducing the harm caused by alcohol over the past year, from behaviour change campaigns and expert training to our research and influencing work. |
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Your support could help us change and save lives |
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| After losing her beloved father in 2021, Bettina has shared her story with us to show how alcohol is a part of our culture and normalised in many of our lives, making it hard for us to understand the harm it might be causing. At Alcohol Change UK, we are tackling this through our free digital tools and online information. We provide support at an early stage, where prevention is possible, to help improve and save lives. Your support can help us to continue to provide these tools and information for free. |
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Introducing the Dry January® Doctor, Dr Jeevan Fernando |
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| Dr Jeevan will be sharing expert insight and advice throughout the challenge to help people around the UK and the world kick-start their year on a healthier, happier note. |
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| Angie's story: “If I do choose to have a drink, I still apply those same strategies that helped me earlier on” |
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| Angie shares her cutting back story with us, detailing strategies she tried out to keep her drinking to levels she was happy with. |
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As a charity, we rely on donations from our amazing supporters to help us continue our vital work to end alcohol harm.
Together we are changing the narrative, so no-one is made to feel ashamed about their drinking and can get the help and support they deserve. |
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