Institute of Alcohol Studies
@ias.org.uk
An independent organisation that seeks to bridge the gap between science and public policies to reduce alcohol-related harm.
Website: https://www.ias.org.uk/
Newsletter & Podcast: https://instalcstud.substack.com/
Website: https://www.ias.org.uk/
Newsletter & Podcast: https://instalcstud.substack.com/
Sleep, think, and feel better this #DryJanuary with Try Dry - Alcohol Change UK’s free app that helps you track your time off drinking alcohol: bit.ly/43HzUIE
January 10, 2026 at 12:27 PM
Sleep, think, and feel better this #DryJanuary with Try Dry - Alcohol Change UK’s free app that helps you track your time off drinking alcohol: bit.ly/43HzUIE
"There's a very poor understanding of the current drink driving limit... But it's unacceptably high in terms of risk" with drivers 6 times more likely to die in a crash at the current limit.
Listen to Dr Katherine Severi on @bbc5live.bsky.social, from 02:19:30.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Listen to Dr Katherine Severi on @bbc5live.bsky.social, from 02:19:30.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
5 Live Drive - 07/01/2026 - BBC Sounds
A round-up of the day's top news and sport with Chris Warburton and Lisa McCormick.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 8, 2026 at 1:06 PM
"There's a very poor understanding of the current drink driving limit... But it's unacceptably high in terms of risk" with drivers 6 times more likely to die in a crash at the current limit.
Listen to Dr Katherine Severi on @bbc5live.bsky.social, from 02:19:30.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Listen to Dr Katherine Severi on @bbc5live.bsky.social, from 02:19:30.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
On Twitter, the US Alcohol Policy Alliance said:
"That the guidelines failed to mention the link between drinking and cancer is a win for Big Alcohol. The thing the industry fears most are consumers educated about the link between cancer and alcohol."
"That the guidelines failed to mention the link between drinking and cancer is a win for Big Alcohol. The thing the industry fears most are consumers educated about the link between cancer and alcohol."
January 8, 2026 at 11:00 AM
On Twitter, the US Alcohol Policy Alliance said:
"That the guidelines failed to mention the link between drinking and cancer is a win for Big Alcohol. The thing the industry fears most are consumers educated about the link between cancer and alcohol."
"That the guidelines failed to mention the link between drinking and cancer is a win for Big Alcohol. The thing the industry fears most are consumers educated about the link between cancer and alcohol."
The new US Dietary Guidelines have removed the advice to limit alcohol consumption to 2 drinks a day for men and 1 for women or less.
It simply says "Consume less alcohol for better overall health" and advises certain groups to avoid altogether.
www.reuters.com/business/hea...
It simply says "Consume less alcohol for better overall health" and advises certain groups to avoid altogether.
www.reuters.com/business/hea...
Trump administration ditches advice to limit alcohol to 1-2 drinks per day
President Donald Trump's administration released new nutrition guidelines on Wednesday that abandon long-standing U.S. recommendations that Americans restrict alcohol consumption to two beverages a da...
www.reuters.com
January 8, 2026 at 11:00 AM
The new US Dietary Guidelines have removed the advice to limit alcohol consumption to 2 drinks a day for men and 1 for women or less.
It simply says "Consume less alcohol for better overall health" and advises certain groups to avoid altogether.
www.reuters.com/business/hea...
It simply says "Consume less alcohol for better overall health" and advises certain groups to avoid altogether.
www.reuters.com/business/hea...
"If you want to help rural pubs the way to do that is through business rates, it's through tackling really cheap supermarket alcohol, it's through tackling powerful pubcos, it's not about drink driving limits."
IAS's Jem Roberts speaking to Talk TV's Peter Cardwell
youtu.be/N20IdFDdIGs
IAS's Jem Roberts speaking to Talk TV's Peter Cardwell
youtu.be/N20IdFDdIGs
Talk TV - Road Safety Strategy - Drink-drive limits
YouTube video by Institute of Alcohol Studies
youtu.be
January 8, 2026 at 9:58 AM
"If you want to help rural pubs the way to do that is through business rates, it's through tackling really cheap supermarket alcohol, it's through tackling powerful pubcos, it's not about drink driving limits."
IAS's Jem Roberts speaking to Talk TV's Peter Cardwell
youtu.be/N20IdFDdIGs
IAS's Jem Roberts speaking to Talk TV's Peter Cardwell
youtu.be/N20IdFDdIGs
How common is guilt after drinking?
In our latest blog, Dr @sharoncox.bsky.social writes about new analysis of data from 40,000 adults, finding:
• 1 in 8 report guilt or remorse
• Higher consumption = higher guilt
• Women & younger adults most affected
www.ias.org.uk/2026/01/08/f...
In our latest blog, Dr @sharoncox.bsky.social writes about new analysis of data from 40,000 adults, finding:
• 1 in 8 report guilt or remorse
• Higher consumption = higher guilt
• Women & younger adults most affected
www.ias.org.uk/2026/01/08/f...
Feeling guilty after drinking? You’re not alone - Institute of Alcohol Studies
People drinking alcohol at increasing and higher risk levels tend to experience more feelings of guilt about their drinking. But how do people of different ages, gender, and social grade feel?
www.ias.org.uk
January 8, 2026 at 9:21 AM
How common is guilt after drinking?
In our latest blog, Dr @sharoncox.bsky.social writes about new analysis of data from 40,000 adults, finding:
• 1 in 8 report guilt or remorse
• Higher consumption = higher guilt
• Women & younger adults most affected
www.ias.org.uk/2026/01/08/f...
In our latest blog, Dr @sharoncox.bsky.social writes about new analysis of data from 40,000 adults, finding:
• 1 in 8 report guilt or remorse
• Higher consumption = higher guilt
• Women & younger adults most affected
www.ias.org.uk/2026/01/08/f...
Listen to Dr Katherine Severi discuss evidence around reducing the drink-drive limit and why it wouldn't be bad for rural pubs. From 32:30.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
World at One - 07/01/2026 - BBC Sounds
News, analysis and comment from BBC Radio 4
www.bbc.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 3:07 PM
Listen to Dr Katherine Severi discuss evidence around reducing the drink-drive limit and why it wouldn't be bad for rural pubs. From 32:30.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Our Chief Executive Dr Katherine Severi will be on the World at One at 13:30 to discuss plans to reduce the drink-drive limit.
Listen here: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Listen here: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 4 - World at One, 07/01/2026
News, analysis and comment from BBC Radio 4
www.bbc.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 1:11 PM
Our Chief Executive Dr Katherine Severi will be on the World at One at 13:30 to discuss plans to reduce the drink-drive limit.
Listen here: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Listen here: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
The Road Safety Strategy plans to cut the drink-drive limit in England and Wales - including a zero-tolerance limit for new drivers - are a major step forward for road safety.
Our Chief Executive, Dr Katherine Severi, responds:
Our Chief Executive, Dr Katherine Severi, responds:
January 7, 2026 at 10:42 AM
The Road Safety Strategy plans to cut the drink-drive limit in England and Wales - including a zero-tolerance limit for new drivers - are a major step forward for road safety.
Our Chief Executive, Dr Katherine Severi, responds:
Our Chief Executive, Dr Katherine Severi, responds:
With the Road Safety Strategy being published today, including plans to reduce the drink-drive limit, read our recent blog about the evidence, why the limit should be reduced, the negligible effect on rural pubs, and how important proper enforcement is.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/08/26/w...
www.ias.org.uk/2025/08/26/w...
Why England and Wales need a lower drink drive limit - Institute of Alcohol Studies
What are the main arguments for and against reducing the drink drive limit in England and Wales?
www.ias.org.uk
January 7, 2026 at 10:33 AM
With the Road Safety Strategy being published today, including plans to reduce the drink-drive limit, read our recent blog about the evidence, why the limit should be reduced, the negligible effect on rural pubs, and how important proper enforcement is.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/08/26/w...
www.ias.org.uk/2025/08/26/w...
This #DryJanuary, see how much money you can save with Try Dry®, the app that tracks your alcohol-free savings: bit.ly/43HzUIE
January 7, 2026 at 9:29 AM
This #DryJanuary, see how much money you can save with Try Dry®, the app that tracks your alcohol-free savings: bit.ly/43HzUIE
...in advertising” while simultaneously wishing to “protect children from advertising of less healthy products”. In truth, both can’t be achieved simultaneously. The exemption is effectively a massive loophole and points to the government’s capitulation to industry pressure."
January 6, 2026 at 12:01 PM
...in advertising” while simultaneously wishing to “protect children from advertising of less healthy products”. In truth, both can’t be achieved simultaneously. The exemption is effectively a massive loophole and points to the government’s capitulation to industry pressure."
There are clear loopholes in the govt's junk food advertising ban, writes Dr Beverley O'Hara @beverleyoh.bsky.social.
"When it announced the brand exemption in May 2025, the government said it wanted to ensure that the food industry “has confidence to invest...
theconversation.com/theres-a-hug...
"When it announced the brand exemption in May 2025, the government said it wanted to ensure that the food industry “has confidence to invest...
theconversation.com/theres-a-hug...
There’s a huge loophole in the new UK ban on daytime junk food ads
New regulations target the product but not the brand.
theconversation.com
January 6, 2026 at 12:01 PM
There are clear loopholes in the govt's junk food advertising ban, writes Dr Beverley O'Hara @beverleyoh.bsky.social.
"When it announced the brand exemption in May 2025, the government said it wanted to ensure that the food industry “has confidence to invest...
theconversation.com/theres-a-hug...
"When it announced the brand exemption in May 2025, the government said it wanted to ensure that the food industry “has confidence to invest...
theconversation.com/theres-a-hug...
“Not me, I’m in control!”
A new study shows how heavier drinkers use 'othering' to distance themselves from 'problem drinkers' - protecting identity, reducing problem recognition, and fuelling stigma.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
A new study shows how heavier drinkers use 'othering' to distance themselves from 'problem drinkers' - protecting identity, reducing problem recognition, and fuelling stigma.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
“Not me, I’m in control!” a systematic meta-synthesis of othering amongst heavier drinkers
Othering is a discursive practice of constructing or drawing on an extreme or stereotyped problem ‘other’. Othering amongst drinking groups has been proposed as an important barrier to the resoluti...
www.tandfonline.com
January 6, 2026 at 10:11 AM
“Not me, I’m in control!”
A new study shows how heavier drinkers use 'othering' to distance themselves from 'problem drinkers' - protecting identity, reducing problem recognition, and fuelling stigma.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
A new study shows how heavier drinkers use 'othering' to distance themselves from 'problem drinkers' - protecting identity, reducing problem recognition, and fuelling stigma.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
...improved, as breath testing has fallen by 63% since 2009.
Alongside better enforcement, public awareness campaigns and treatment support for high-risk offenders is important for the limit reduction to work.
Read our blog on the topic here: www.ias.org.uk/2025/08/26/w...
Alongside better enforcement, public awareness campaigns and treatment support for high-risk offenders is important for the limit reduction to work.
Read our blog on the topic here: www.ias.org.uk/2025/08/26/w...
Why England and Wales need a lower drink drive limit - Institute of Alcohol Studies
What are the main arguments for and against reducing the drink drive limit in England and Wales?
www.ias.org.uk
January 6, 2026 at 9:19 AM
...improved, as breath testing has fallen by 63% since 2009.
Alongside better enforcement, public awareness campaigns and treatment support for high-risk offenders is important for the limit reduction to work.
Read our blog on the topic here: www.ias.org.uk/2025/08/26/w...
Alongside better enforcement, public awareness campaigns and treatment support for high-risk offenders is important for the limit reduction to work.
Read our blog on the topic here: www.ias.org.uk/2025/08/26/w...
The Road Safety Strategy is expected to be published tomorrow and likely to include plans to reduce the drink drive limit in England and Wales to match Scotland's (and most European countries).
However, it is crucial that enforcement is significantly...
www.thetimes.com/uk/transport...
However, it is crucial that enforcement is significantly...
www.thetimes.com/uk/transport...
Enforced eye tests and stricter alcohol limits in road safety reforms
Older drivers must take eye tests and will not be allowed to self-report visual diseases, and penalty points could be given if passengers do not wear seatbelts
www.thetimes.com
January 6, 2026 at 9:19 AM
The Road Safety Strategy is expected to be published tomorrow and likely to include plans to reduce the drink drive limit in England and Wales to match Scotland's (and most European countries).
However, it is crucial that enforcement is significantly...
www.thetimes.com/uk/transport...
However, it is crucial that enforcement is significantly...
www.thetimes.com/uk/transport...
"If you don’t participate in the alcohol-using society…immediately you can become cut off from what is seen as normal social interactions…if you decide not to drink, you’re excluded."
Read our latest report on 'Barriers to alcohol recovery'.
Read our latest report on 'Barriers to alcohol recovery'.
Barriers to Recovery: Overcoming obstacles to alcohol recovery in the UK - Institute of Alcohol Studies
Alcohol-related harm continues to escalate in the United Kingdom (UK), with 2023 marking the highest number of alcohol-specific deaths recorded in England, and only 22% of those in need accessing…
www.ias.org.uk
January 6, 2026 at 9:17 AM
"If you don’t participate in the alcohol-using society…immediately you can become cut off from what is seen as normal social interactions…if you decide not to drink, you’re excluded."
Read our latest report on 'Barriers to alcohol recovery'.
Read our latest report on 'Barriers to alcohol recovery'.
Alcohol taxes should reflect the cost of harm to society, incentivising producers to reduce that harm, not profit from it.
Our Autumn Budget Analysis sets out a better way.
Read here: www.ias.org.uk/report/autum...
Our Autumn Budget Analysis sets out a better way.
Read here: www.ias.org.uk/report/autum...
Autumn Budget Analysis 2025 - Institute of Alcohol Studies
In the Autumn Budget 2025 there were three key announcements: After the increase, alcohol duty will still be much lower than it was in 2012/13. In real terms: Alcohol trade bodies responded with predi...
www.ias.org.uk
January 5, 2026 at 11:08 AM
Alcohol taxes should reflect the cost of harm to society, incentivising producers to reduce that harm, not profit from it.
Our Autumn Budget Analysis sets out a better way.
Read here: www.ias.org.uk/report/autum...
Our Autumn Budget Analysis sets out a better way.
Read here: www.ias.org.uk/report/autum...
The landmark pre-watershed ban on unhealthy food and drink advertising has come into force.
It bans television ads pre-9pm and all online ads, and is expected to reduce the number of children living with obesity by 20,000.
The ban does not include alcohol ads.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It bans television ads pre-9pm and all online ads, and is expected to reduce the number of children living with obesity by 20,000.
The ban does not include alcohol ads.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Junk food TV and online advert ban comes into force
Soft drinks, chocolate, pizzas and ice creams will be targeted in the UK government's plan.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 5, 2026 at 9:46 AM
The landmark pre-watershed ban on unhealthy food and drink advertising has come into force.
It bans television ads pre-9pm and all online ads, and is expected to reduce the number of children living with obesity by 20,000.
The ban does not include alcohol ads.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It bans television ads pre-9pm and all online ads, and is expected to reduce the number of children living with obesity by 20,000.
The ban does not include alcohol ads.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
This #DryJanuary, track how it feels to go alcohol-free with the Try Dry® app.
Get ready to boss your mood: bit.ly/43HzUIE
Get ready to boss your mood: bit.ly/43HzUIE
January 2, 2026 at 11:24 AM
This #DryJanuary, track how it feels to go alcohol-free with the Try Dry® app.
Get ready to boss your mood: bit.ly/43HzUIE
Get ready to boss your mood: bit.ly/43HzUIE
There are 132,000 premises that have a license for either just on-sales or both on- and off-sales of alcohol.
These premises have increased in number by 13% since 2007/08.
See our Availability page for more stats and charts.
www.ias.org.uk/factsheet/av...
These premises have increased in number by 13% since 2007/08.
See our Availability page for more stats and charts.
www.ias.org.uk/factsheet/av...
December 18, 2025 at 3:26 PM
There are 132,000 premises that have a license for either just on-sales or both on- and off-sales of alcohol.
These premises have increased in number by 13% since 2007/08.
See our Availability page for more stats and charts.
www.ias.org.uk/factsheet/av...
These premises have increased in number by 13% since 2007/08.
See our Availability page for more stats and charts.
www.ias.org.uk/factsheet/av...
...prevention and reduce demand on the NHS and social care, funding needs to keep pace with inflation and rising demand."
December 18, 2025 at 2:40 PM
...prevention and reduce demand on the NHS and social care, funding needs to keep pace with inflation and rising demand."
The LGA welcomes the government's multi-year funding settlement for the Public Health Grant.
The Grant will total £13.45 billion over the next three years.
"However, public health services remain under significant pressure. To truly deliver on...
www.local.gov.uk/about/news/l...
The Grant will total £13.45 billion over the next three years.
"However, public health services remain under significant pressure. To truly deliver on...
www.local.gov.uk/about/news/l...
LGA responds to Local Government Public Health Grant
"Councils are committed to using this funding to improve the lives of local people and tackle the root causes of poor health."
www.local.gov.uk
December 18, 2025 at 2:40 PM
The LGA welcomes the government's multi-year funding settlement for the Public Health Grant.
The Grant will total £13.45 billion over the next three years.
"However, public health services remain under significant pressure. To truly deliver on...
www.local.gov.uk/about/news/l...
The Grant will total £13.45 billion over the next three years.
"However, public health services remain under significant pressure. To truly deliver on...
www.local.gov.uk/about/news/l...
Withdrawal? Crime? Other drug use?
A comprehensive review of minimum unit pricing found these fears don’t materialise – while health benefits do.
In our latest blog, Dr James Clay of @uviccisur.bsky.social explains.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/12/18/m...
A comprehensive review of minimum unit pricing found these fears don’t materialise – while health benefits do.
In our latest blog, Dr James Clay of @uviccisur.bsky.social explains.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/12/18/m...
Minimum unit pricing works – and it works for the people who need it most - Institute of Alcohol Studies
Real-world evidence from multiple countries shows that minimum unit pricing works: it cuts the purchase of high-strength cheap alcohol, improves health outcomes, and benefits those facing the highest ...
www.ias.org.uk
December 18, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Withdrawal? Crime? Other drug use?
A comprehensive review of minimum unit pricing found these fears don’t materialise – while health benefits do.
In our latest blog, Dr James Clay of @uviccisur.bsky.social explains.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/12/18/m...
A comprehensive review of minimum unit pricing found these fears don’t materialise – while health benefits do.
In our latest blog, Dr James Clay of @uviccisur.bsky.social explains.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/12/18/m...
Medical students need to understand addiction beyond the textbook.
Humanising Healthcare brings people in recovery into the classroom through their powerful “Conversation Cafés” - breaking stigma, building empathy, and transforming future clinical practice.
Humanising Healthcare brings people in recovery into the classroom through their powerful “Conversation Cafés” - breaking stigma, building empathy, and transforming future clinical practice.
Humanising Healthcare Conversation Cafe
www.youtube.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Medical students need to understand addiction beyond the textbook.
Humanising Healthcare brings people in recovery into the classroom through their powerful “Conversation Cafés” - breaking stigma, building empathy, and transforming future clinical practice.
Humanising Healthcare brings people in recovery into the classroom through their powerful “Conversation Cafés” - breaking stigma, building empathy, and transforming future clinical practice.