Dry January? Thousands opt for month off the booze
Both Alcohol Concern and Cancer Research UK have promoted alcohol-free January challenges, attracting a fair bit of media attention. Alcohol Concern's Dry January site reports 4,306 people signed up who could expect to "feel better... ditch the hangover, reduce the waistline, and save the pennies." Cancer Research UK also promoted a Dryathlon, claiming 35,000 have signed up to help raise money for the charity.
In response, the Independent's Jamie Merrill, having undertaken a dry January in 2012, explores Is there any point in giving up booze for January?. The Telegraph's well known columnist Peter Oborne wrote a frank piece, admitting "A month without alcohol - the thought fills me with terror" as he fears he is 'in danger of becoming alcohol-dependent'.
The Guardian have two features, Should I stop drinking in January? briefly assesses the impact on the liver and the importance of moderating use throughout the year. A Guardian Science blog asks Alcohol: friend of Foe?, arguing the importance of the many social and economic benefits.
Drinkaware have a feature 'De-toxing for January? We have a better idea', which suggests and explores "the problem with so called “detoxing” is that it can imply it’s okay to regularly drink too much at all other times and undo the damage with a month-long break – which is not true."
Alcohol limits: a place for tailored recommended guidelines?
A BBC article suggests the alcohol message 'is confused' following a Dr Michael Mosley Radio 4 programme You and Yours on the alcohol guidelines. It explores the problems of one size fits all 'low risk' guideline for all adults considering genetic and individual differences, and low unit awareness. Last year MPs on the Science and Technology Committee called for greater efforts to help the public understand alcohol guidelines and for a further scientific review to build public confidence.
Other news and reports
A recent Economist feature, Their cup runneth over, explores Britain's alcohol problem and it's history. Despite dipping consumption since 2004, the piece suggests "Britons manage to combine Scandinavian bingeing with liver-pickling Mediterranean levels of consumption." See here for latest alcohol consumption data from the Health Survey England.
Alcohol contributes to at least 38% of pedestrians killed in London road accidents, reports the Evening Standard. Nearly half of pedestrian fatalities aged 30 to 49 and 38% of those aged 16 to 59, being under the influence was idntified as a “contributory factor” in their death.
A Conservative MP has proposed preventing benefits being spent on alcohol by creating a welfare cash card that can be used on "essential" items only. See BBC Democracy report and clip. Alec Shelbrooke said the card could be provided to out-of-work people on benefits to pay for travel, food, clothing, energy and housing but could not be spend on alcohol, cigarettes or luxury items.
Young Britons cut back on drink and drugs, an Observer report argues. Another Guardian piece explores Boozy Britain – why do we drink so much?. Amy Winehouse was killed by too much alcohol, a second inquest has confirmed.
A Mentor UK blog post has highlighted research identifying early drunkenness as a key predictor of problem drinking, urging a further Government policy focus. Research on stress and risk of dependence has been covered in a Daily Mail article Peril of drinking to relax. New blog posts by home drinking researcher John Foster cover reflections on alcohol and culture and the role of eduction.
A minimum pricing update will be coming shorty.
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