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INTERNATIONAL DIGEST PROMOTING THE RESPONSIBLE PROMOTION OF ALCOHOL Contents (Click on an item/ page no. to be taken directly to your choice of article) News from around the world Alcohol consumption predicted to drop by 6% this 2 Christmas in the UK Medical News Alcohol and skiing don’t mix, suggests study The 2-Way Relationship Between Red Wine Portman Group celebrate 30 years of responsibility 16 Polyphenols and Gut Microbiota 3 Introduction of 50p minimum unit price for alcohol Alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and risk of approved in Welsh Assembly vote 17 breast cancer for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers 4 “It’s not that simple” – Adfam’s 2019 Conference The neurobehavioral sequelae of moderate drinking Mindful drinking report lifestyles and acute alcohol effects with aging New study finds Christmas is the season for peak Alcohol intake and Parkinson’s disease risk in the 18 5 drinking and hangovers million women study British pub numbers grow for first time in decade Risks associated with alcohol consumption may be On-trade sales of no and low options rise by 48% exaggerated Substance misuse treatment statistics for England 2018 The neurobehavioral sequelae of moderate drinking to 2019 19 lifestyles and acute alcohol effects with aging 6 Alcohol-specific deaths in the UK: registered in 2018 20 The role of components of the Mediterranean diet Health Survey for England 2018 21 in the prevention of stroke, age-related cognitive Scottish (SALSUS): Alcohol report 2018 decline, and Alzheimer disease 22 Scotch Whisky Action Fund commits support to six new Beer and its non-alcoholic compounds in health projects in Scotland 23 and disease 7 French government scraps plans for Dry January Worrying about your hangover makes it worse, campaign research suggests Drug-drivers targeted in festive drink-drive campaign in Alcohol intake in early pregnancy and spontaneous Scotland preterm birth 8 Annual Responsible Drinking Initiatives Meeting in Alcohol, smoking and rectal cancer risk in a Brussels 24 Mediterranean cohort of adults Ireland launches education resource on alcohol and Alcohol consumption and survival after breast cancer drugs diagnosis in Japanese women 9 ETSC Drink Drive report 25 Effects of hop bitter acids, bitter components in beer, on cognition in healthy adults European Beer Trends Statistics report 26 Alcohol consumption and self-rated health among Wine in Moderation launches major rebranding older people in Sweden 10 Responsible drinking campaign in Portugal The synergy of resveratrol and alcohol against Drive sober or get pulled over 27 Helicobacter pylori and underlying anti-Helicobacter Diageo launches holiday social media campaign pylori mechanism of resveratrol #Jointhepact Experimental outcomes of the Mediterranean Diet 11 Éduc’alcool issues warning against combining alcohol and cannabis 28 Social and Policy News Wellington poster campaign aims to prevent sexual Young children are aware of normative assault situations for adults to consume alcohol Budweiser launches encourages consumers to drink How did a lower drink-drive limit affect bar trade and water between beers drinking practices in Scotland Alcohol health strategy in Australia 29 Older Australians’ perceptions of alcohol-related 2018/19 New Zealand Health Survey Annual Data harms and low-risk alcohol guidelines 12 Explorer update Educational attainment and drinking behaviours Australia launches new drinking guidelines 30 Alcohol, smoking, excess weight, and short sleep American Craft Spirits Association Partners with TIPS 13 duration in adolescents in Brazil Globalisation of drinking preferences ? 31 Implications of cardioprotective assumptions for IARD focus on Public-Private Partnerships national drinking guidelines and alcohol harm Protein bar cuts alcohol absorption by 50% monitoring systems 32 Malta campaign for the festiveseason The decline in youth drinking in England—is everyone drinking less? 14 Leading drinks producers and major digital platforms implement safeguardsfor minors Inaccuracies in survey reporting of alcohol consumption Ability to metabolise alcohol may have ensured ape ancestor survival 33 Consulting firm issues rules on workplace drinking 15 and Christmas celebrations IARD Trends report on drink driving deaths

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD 2 Europe South Korea AIM Digest Frampton House An analysis by Eurostat found South Korea is contemplating Frampton, Dorchester that on average, alcohol banning celebrities from Dorset DT2 9NH accounts for 3.9% of Household endorsing alcoholic drinks as T: +44 (0)1300 320 869 expenditure in the European it fights to change a prevalent E: [email protected] Union. The highest percentage drinking culture and reduce Websites: spends were in Luxembourg alcohol consumption among www.alcoholinmoderation.com (8.3) and Czechia (7.9%) and youths. There are currently www.drinkingandyou.com the lowest were in Austria (3.4%) no restrictions on alcohol www.alcoholresearchforum.org and in Portugal (3.1%). advertising in the country, which has seen a rise in underage AIM Subscription Levels: Worldwide drinkers and an increase in the Individual: GBP 900- number of South Korean women USD 1,250- Facebook Inc’s Instagram has who drink, up from 41.5% in 2007 Euro 1000- said that it will require birthdates to 50.5% in 2017. In contrast, from all new users starting from Silver: GBP 1,500- the percentage of male drinkers USD 2,500- early December, expanding the remained static over the same Euro 2,000- audience for ads for alcohol and period (74%). other age-restricted products Gold: GBP £3,000- while offering new safety Belgium USD 5,000- Euro 4,000- measures for younger users. The Brussels city council has Until now, Instagram except Platinum: available on request. approved an alcohol ban in for limited circumstances has the central pedestrian zone, Please contact Sherry.Webster@ required its users only to say aim-digest.com for information following the lead of other about AIM’s subscription levels. they are at least 13 years old. districts and municipalities. The Please make cheques/drafts in Ukraine move comes in response to British pounds sterling, dollars or nuisance complaints. Euros payable to AIM Digest at the In Ukraine, President Volodymyr above address Anyone caught consuming Zelensky signed a law abolishing alcoholic drinks in any of these Helena Conibear – Executive the monopoly on alcohol of state- zones will see their drink or bottle Director owned enterprise Ukrspyrt. 293 seized and could be subject to a T: +44 (0)1300 320 869 out of the 422 members voted E: [email protected] fine of up to €350. The ban, which in favour of the law in Parliament had been undergoing discussion Alison Rees - Editor on Nov. 15. The law provides for within the city council, will be E: [email protected] the abolition of state monopoly applied for an initial test phase Sherry Webster – Finance and to produce alcohol and, as of following which the results will Subscriptions Jan. 1, 2020, it will be possible for be evaluated. E: [email protected] businesses to produce alcohol subject to the receipt of a license UK The publisher takes reasonable care to and the full liberalization of ensure the accuracy of quotations and In the UK, an increased focus alcohol exports from Ukraine. other information contained herein, but is by HMRC on catching criminal not responsible for any errors or omissions. The bill also stipulates that only gangs who smuggle alcohol Opinions and recommendations quoted state enterprises authorized by herein are usually excerpted, digested or and cigarettes added an ‘extra’ condensed, may be edited for continuity, the Cabinet of Ministers will be £3.9billion of tax to the total and are only part of the opinions and able to import alcohol before recommendations expressed in the original raised, up from £2.6 billion in Jan. 1, 2022 to protect domestic sources, which should be consulted for 2017-18 and £1.3 billion in 2016- details. producers. © AIM Digest 2001. All rights reserved. 17, according to research by Material may be reproduced with national accountancy group, attribution to AIM. UHY Hacker Young.

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - MEDICAL NEWS 3 The 2-Way Relationship Between Red Wine Polyphenols and Gut Microbiota An editorial article in the journal Gastroenterology disease risk factors, the metabolic syndrome considers the relationship between red wine and depression, improved cognition, and polyphenols and gut microbiota. health benefits associated with gut microbiota Recent evidence from observational studies diversity.Red wine polyphenols seem to increase demonstrates a role for red wine in the promotion populations of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting of beneficial gut microbiota”. A paper from Le potentially pathogenic bacterial populations.A Roy et al in the same issue of the journal, reports systematic review of clinical trials published an association between red wine polyphenols between 2006 and 2018 examined the effects and gut microbiota α-diversity, with only weak of red wine polyphenols and grapes on gut associations with white wine and no association microbiota.Only 1 included study lasting 20 days with beer, cider, spirits, or all alcohol. The authors reported changes in gut microbiota composition propose benefits to gut health even from and participants consumed either 272 mL/d of infrequent red wine consumption and suggest a red wine or dealcoholized red wine.The findings unique interaction between red wine polyphenols indicated divergence between groups of several and the modulation of gut microbiota, which different gut microbiota phyla and species, poses the question of whether long-term trials are highlighting complexity surrounding the ethanol warranted to elucidate potential health-promoting content in red wine. The other 6 studies reported effects of red wine consumption. increased red wine polyphenols microbial metabolites in feces, urine, plasma, and ileal The editorial states “The red wine polyphenols fluid, representing the modulation of red wine include flavonoids (anthocyanins and flavan-3-ols), polyphenols by intestinal bacteria and further nonflavonoids (stilbenes), gallic acid, oligomeric adding another layer of intricacy to the ‘two-way and polymeric proanthocyanins, catechins, and relationship’. phenolic acid, and are proposed to exhibit health- promoting effects through reduction of oxidative Evidence of gut microbiota modulation from stress and promotion of beneficial gut bacteria. observational studies is also increasing. Across 3 Once ingested, relatively small amounts of red wine cohorts, Le Roy et al found improved α-diversity, polyphenols are absorbed in the small intestine particularly barnesiella, in discordant twin (5%–10%), with the remainder reaching the colon analyses, which may be associated with improved as the central location of activity and metabolism cholesterol metabolism and body composition. by the residential microbiota “producing” Results from a Danish study of overall wine intake polyphenolic conjugates that can enter systemic in 720 adolescents with a 20- or 22-year follow- circulation. However, interindividual differences up, reported an association with less weight gain in the gut microbiota play an important role until midlife, but not for beer and spirits.10 Wine in bioavailability of polyphenols and their gut consumption was also associated with better microbiota metabolites. The anti-inflammatory overall nutrition and lifestyle, whereas moderate activity of red wine polyphenols is well-defined, wine drinkers exhibited better overall health and its influence on gut microbiota diversity and quality of life. Moderate intake of red wine cannot be seen as single-sided, but rather a 2-way is recommended as part of the Mediterranean relationship. The gut microbiota is relatively dietary pattern and is associated with successful stable through adulthood, but can be affected by aging,a J-shaped relationship with all-cause antibiotic medications and changes in food intake, mortality,and is often associated with the “French and is pivotal for the onset and development of Paradox” referring to lower cardiovascular disease various metabolic and inflammatory conditions. rates despite high saturated fat consumption in this population. However, it is not possible to derive The production of red wine includes the skin cause and effect owing to confounding variables in of the grapes resulting in nearly a 10-fold epidemiologic studies such as socioenvironmental higher polyphenolic content than white wine. factors, healthy user bias, and limitations of self- The consumption of red wine polyphenols is reported dietary collection methods. controversially associated with multiple health benefits ranging from reduction in cardiovascular

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - MEDICAL NEWS 4 Alcohol consumption, cigarette The benefits of red over white wine are often smoking, and risk of breast cancer for attributed to resveratrol. Consumption of this BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers stilbene may protect against fat accumulation through inhibition of lipogenesis and increase Tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption have insulin-mediated glucose uptake, potentially been intensively studied in the general population lowering circulating blood glucose levels.A to assess their effects on the risk of breast review of resveratrol trials indicated that cancer (BC), but very few studies have examined its supplementation is not sufficient for the these effects in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation management of obesity despite anti-inflammatory carriers. Authors of a paper published in Cancer effects.The levels of “pure” resveratrol used in Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, argue short-term trials, if compared with those found that, given the high BC risk for mutation carriers in red wine, indicate consumption of well over 2 and the importance of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in DNA L of wine required to reach the equimolar levels, repair, better evidence on the associations of these leading to health problems owing to alcohol levels lifestyle factors with BC risk is essential. consumed. In observational studies, beneficial Using a large international pooled cohort of effects of red wine polyphenols are observed at BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers, retrospective low and moderate regular wine consumption (5,707 BRCA1 mutation carriers; 3,525 BRCA2 levels, suggesting benefits are only partially owing mutation carriers) and prospective (2,276 BRCA1 to resveratrol”. mutation carriers; 1,610 BRCA2 mutation carriers) The authors conclude that “It is without doubt analyses of alcohol and tobacco consumption that modifications of the gut microbiota are at the were performed using Cox proportional hazards intersection between dietary intake and beneficial models. health outcomes, and understanding the benefits For both BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers, of red wine polyphenols on gut microbiota remains none of the smoking-related variables was presented with challenges and controversies. associated with BC risk, except smoking for more Some of these include the diversity of consumed than five years before a first full-term pregnancy wines and variation in their polyphenolic content (FFTP) when compared to parous women who that is influenced by variety of factors. Even with never smoked. For BRCA1 mutation carriers, the doses that are exceeding physiologically relevant HR from retrospective analysis (HRR) was 1.19 concentrations, evidence of cardiometabolic (95%CI:1.02,1.39) and the HR from prospective effects is inconclusive. Therefore, whetheranalysis (HRP) was 1.36 (95%CI:0.99,1.87). For moderate to high dosages will exhibit beneficial BRCA2 mutation carriers, smoking for more than health effects without negative implications on five years before a FFTP showed an association gut barrier integrity and gut microbiota remains of a similar magnitude, but the confidence unknown. This might be further elucidated with limits were wider (HRR=1.25,95%CI:1.01,1.55 technological and research advances in the –omics and HRP=1.30,95%CI:0.83,2.01). For both carrier areas, where red wine polyphenols byproducts groups, alcohol consumption was not associated might be investigated from the population with BC risk. perspective”. The finding that smoking during the pre- Source: Untangling the 2-Way Relationship Between reproductive years increases BC risk for mutation Red Wine Polyphenols and Gut Microbiota. Naumovski, carriers warrants further investigation. This is NenadPanagiotakos, Demosthenes B.D’Cunha, Nathan the largest prospective study of BRCA mutation M. et al. Gastroenterology, Volume 158, Issue 1, 48 - 51. carriers to assess these important risk factors. Source: Alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and risk of breast cancer for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers: results from The BRCA1 and BRCA2 Cohort Consortium. Hongyan Li et al.Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev December 2 2019. doi. org/10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-19-0546

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Alcohol intake and Parkinson’s disease risk in the million women study Alcohol intake may be associated with a lower women who drank more than 14 drinks of alcohol risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD), but findings from per week with women who drank 1 to 2 drinks previous studies have been inconclusive. of alcohol per week was 0.99 (95% confidence The objective of a study was to determine the interval: 0.90, 1.10). Results did not materially association between alcohol intake and PD risk change after excluding the first 10 years of follow- in the Million Women Study, a large, prospective up (1.01; 95% confidence interval: 0.90, 1.13). study of women in the UK. There were no significant trends in alcohol-related Between 1996 and 2001, approximately 1.3 million PD risk among never smokers. Additionally, women in the UK with a mean age 56 years, examining this association by type of alcohol were recruited into the Million Women Study. intake also yielded null findings. Information on alcohol intake, lifestyle factors, These results do not support an association and medical history was collected at recruitment between alcohol intake and PD risk in women. by questionnaire. Information on incident cases of Source: Alcohol intake and Parkinson’s disease risk PD was ascertained by record linkage to national in the million women study.Kim IY, Yang TO, Heath hospital admission records and death registrations. AK, Simpson RF, Reeves GK, Green J, Floud S, Brown During an average of 17.9 years of follow-up, A, Hunter DJ, Beral V, Sweetland S; Million Women 11,009 women had a new record of PD. In drinkers, Study Collaborators. Mov Disord. 2019 Nov 26. doi. the multivariable-adjusted relative risk comparing org/10.1002/mds.27933.

Risks associated with alcohol consumption may be exaggerated A research letter from Mary C. Vance; Tanner J. two types of drinking: at-risk drinking, which Caverly and Rodney A. Hayward published online was defined as having three to five drinks per in JAMA Internal Medicine raises the issue of how day, and heavy drinking, defined as having six or systematic measurement error can bias estimates more drinks each day. The researchers assumed of the population mean (eg, biased estimates two types of underreporting occurred in the of average alcohol use). They highlight that the previous studies — one in which at-risk drinkers consequences of systematic measurement error underreported by one to two drinks per day, and on the associations between risk factors and another in which heavy drinkers underreported outcomes are often overlooked. their actual consumption dramatically to hide A recent example is a 2016 study, published their drinking problems. in the Lancet, which found that any level of Vance and colleagues found that, if 30% of those alcohol consumption was associated with who consumed at least three drinks each day had increased risks for adverse health conditions. downplayed their alcohol consumption, then the This led to widely publicised reports of no safe observed RRs of those who reported one to two level of alcohol consumption. The study did not drinks per day were about the same as the risks account for potential misclassification owing observed in the Lancet study. If 40% of at-risk to underreporting of alcohol use. Systematic and heavy drinkers underreported their alcohol underreporting of alcohol use could result in consumption, the observed RRs began to exceed overestimating the association between a low those observed in the study. amount of alcohol consumption and the risk Vance and colleagues added that “the present of adverse health outcomes, especially given analysis demonstrates the importance of evidence that heavy drinkers underreport their considering how systematic underestimation of a true levels of alcohol consumption by up to 40% risk factor can overestimate the consequences of to 65%. low exposure to the risk factor.” Vance and colleagues conducted a quality Source: Underappreciated Bias Created by improvement study to assess the potential Measurement Error in Risk Factor Assessment—A Case Study of No Safe Level of Alcohol Consumption. implications of systematic underreporting of Vance MC, Caverly TJ, Hayward RA. JAMA Intern Med. alcohol use on the observed results in that recent, Published online December 09, 2019. doi.org/10.1001/ well-publicized study. The research focused on jamainternmed.2019.6116

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - MEDICAL NEWS 6 The neurobehavioral sequelae of moderate drinking lifestyles and acute alcohol effects with aging Epidemiological estimates indicate not only an often associated with enhanced cognition and increase in the proportion of older adults, but lower dementia risk, few benefits are noted in rates also an increase in those who continue moderate of decline or alterations in brain structure. The alcohol consumption. Substantial literatures have effect of sex/gender varies across health domains attempted to characterize health benefits/risks of and by consumption levels. For example, women moderate drinking lifestyles. Not uncommonly, appear to differentially benefit from alcohol use reports address outcomes in a single outcome, in terms of T2D, but experience greater risk when such as cardiovascular function or cognitive considering aspects of cardiovascular function. decline, rather than providing a broader overview Finally, the researchers observe that socially of systems. In a narrative review a team summarises relevant alcohol doses do not consistently impair the key findings regarding moderate drinking and performance in older adults. Rather, older drinkers three health domains, cardiovascular health, Type demonstrate divergent, but not necessarily 2 diabetes (T2D), and cognition, retaining focus on detrimental, patterns in neural activation and neurobiological considerations. They comment some behavioural measures relative to younger that few investigators have studied bouts of low/ drinkers. Taken together, the epidemiological and moderate doses of alcohol consumption, a pattern laboratory studies reinforce the need for greater consistent with moderate drinking lifestyles. Here, attention to key individual differences and for the the researchers address both moderate drinking conduct of systematic studies sensitive to age- as a lifestyle and as an acute event. related shifts in neurobiological systems. A review of health-related correlates illustrates Source: Clarifying the neurobehavioral sequelae of continuing inconsistencies. Although substantive moderate drinking lifestyles and acute alcohol effects reductions in risk for cardiovascular and T2D with aging. Nixon SJ, Lewis B. Int Rev Neurobiol. 2019;148:39-78. doi.org/10.1016/bs.irn.2019.10.016. events are reported, robust conclusions remain Epub 2019 Nov 5. elusive. Similarly, whereas moderate drinking is The role of components of the Mediterranean diet in the prevention of stroke, age-related cognitive decline, and Alzheimer disease An open access article in the December edition of • polyphenols including flavonoids from grains, the Revue Neurologique reviews the mechanisms vegetables, fruits, EVOO, and beverages such of action of dietary components of the as red wine, tea, chocolate and coffee are Mediterranean diet in prevention of cardiovascular important components; disease, stroke, age-associated cognitive decline • yogurt and sour milk products fermented by and Alzheimer disease. A companion article probiotic bacteria; provides a comprehensive review of extra-virgin • nutrients and other bioactive compounds, such olive oil. as fiber, phytosterols, folic acid, and antioxidants Epidemiological studies and controlled clinical all play a role in the salubrious effects of this trials indicated that a number of food products diet. typically found in the Mediterranean diet, The paper reviews the role of these Mediterranean in particular extra-virgin olive oil, increased diet components in the prevention of longevity while lowering overall mortality. Other cardiovascular disease, stroke and age-associated benefits included lower cancer risk, cardiovascular cognitive decline. disease prevention and improved control of type- Source: Mediterranean diet: The role of long-chain ω-3 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) [3]. Important dietary fatty acids in fish; polyphenols in fruits, vegetables, components of the Mediterranean diet include: cereals, coffee, tea, cacao and wine; probiotics and • long-chain ω-3 fatty acids from fresh fish, canola vitamins in prevention of stroke, age-related cognitive oil, soybean oil, as well as from consumption of decline, and Alzheimer disease. G.C.Román, R.E.Jackson, R.Gadhia, A.N.Román, J.Reis. Revue Neurologique, the succulent purslane, almonds and walnuts; Volume 175, Issue 10, December 2019, Pages 724-741.

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - MEDICAL NEWS 7 Beer and its non-alcoholic compounds in health and disease Authors of a paper published in the November Clinical and pre-clinical evidence for the protective edition of Critical Reviews in Food Science effects of moderate beer consumption against and Nutrition highlight how moderate alcohol cardiovascular disease and other diseases has consumption has been associated with beneficial been accumulating since the 1990s, and the non- effects on human health. Specifically, consumption alcoholic compounds of beer likely exert most of of red wine and beer has shown a J-shape relation the observed beneficial effects. with many important diseases. While a role of In their review, the authors summarise and discuss ethanol cannot be excluded, the high content of the effects of beer consumption in health and polyphenols in both beverages has been proposed disease as well as the clinical potential of its non- to contribute to these effects, with beer having the alcoholic compounds which may be promising advantage over wine that it is lower in alcohol. In candidates for new therapies against common addition to ethanol, beer contains a wide variety of chronic diseases. compounds with known medicinal potential such Source: Beer and its non-alcoholic compounds in health and as kaempferol, quercetin, tyrosol and phenolic disease. Osorio-Paz I, Brunauer R, Alavez S. Crit Rev Food Sci acids, and it is the main dietary source for the Nutr. 2019 Nov 29:1-14. doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2019.16 flavones xanthohumol and 8-prenylnaringenin, 96278. and bitter acids such as humulones and lupulones. Worrying about your hangover makes it worse, research suggests Research carried out at the University of Salford, concentration, while stress-related symptoms examined how experiences of hangovers varied were also worse in those who were more likely to from person to person, and whether this was catastrophise pain. linked to whether the individual was likely to Lead researcher Sam Royle explained: “These “catastrophise pain”. findings suggest the importance of cognitive Pain catastrophising is the tendency some people coping strategies in how people experience have to worry overly about the threat of pain and hangovers after drinking alcohol. This may have to feel helpless in managing their pain, as well as implications in understanding behavioural dwelling on thoughts about how much something responses to hangovers, and also for addiction hurts. research.” The research involved 86 participants aged “These results are interesting because of the role between 18 – 46 years old. They were asked to that coping mechanisms, like catastrophising, complete questionnaires asking about a recent seem to play in longer term health outcomes such time when they had consumed alcohol. From this as depression, and addiction. Catastrophising has the researchers were able to estimated participants itself been associated with craving (a powerful blood alcohol levels. The participants also reported urge or desire to consume a drug), a key criterion the extent of their hangover and their tendency to in addiction. catastrophise pain. “All together, this might suggest that coping The research showed a significant relationship mechanisms play a role in both hangover, and between catastrophising and hangover severity the development of addiction in those who scores. This was a stronger predictor of perceived are predisposed (due to biological factors like hangover severity than estimated peak blood genetics). If this is the case, then the experience alcohol concentration. of hangover might act as a predictor of future risk Further analysis identified that there were two for addiction, and help healthcare professionals to distinct types of hangover symptoms; those target interventions that help prevent addiction in that were stress-related and those that were the first place.” dehydration-related. Both types of symptoms beta.salford.ac.uk/news/worrying-about-how-bad- were worse in those who had a higher peak alcohol your-hangover-pain-will-be-could-make-it-worse

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Alcohol intake in early pregnancy and spontaneous preterm birth

Limited research has addressed whether maternal episodes had an aHR for spontaneous preterm alcohol intake in early pregnancy increases the birth of 0.88 (95% CI 0.68-1.14), 1.34 (95% CI 0.98- risk of spontaneous preterm birth. Researchers 1.82), and 0.93 (95% CI 0.62-1.41), respectively, examined how alcohol binge drinking and weekly compared to women with no binge drinking alcohol intake in early pregnancy were associated episodes. Women who reported an intake of with spontaneous preterm birth in a contemporary ≥ 1 drink per week on average had an aHR for cohort of Danish women. spontaneous preterm birth of 1.09 (95% CI 0.63- 15,776 pregnancies of 14,894 women referred to 1.89) compared to abstainers. When restricting to antenatal care at Copenhagen University Hospital, nulliparous women or cohabiting women with ≥ Denmark, between 2012 and 2016 were included. 3 years higher education, this estimate was 1.28 Self-reported alcohol intake in early pregnancy (95% CI 0.69-2.40) and 1.20 (95% CI 0.67-2.15), was obtained from a web-based questionnaire respectively. completed prior to the women’s first visit at the This study found no evidence that maternal department. Information on spontaneous preterm alcohol intake in early pregnancy was associated birth was extracted from the Danish Medical Birth with a higher risk of spontaneous preterm birth, Register. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) with 95% neither for alcohol binge drinking nor for a low confidence intervals (CI) of spontaneous preterm average weekly intake of alcohol. birth according to self-reported alcohol binge Source: Alcohol intake in early pregnancy and spontaneous drinking and weekly intake of alcohol in early preterm birth: a cohort study. Weile LKK, Hegaard HK, Wu pregnancy were derived from Cox regression. C, Tabor A, Wolf HT, Kesmodel US, Henriksen TB, Nohr EA. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2019 Dec 5. doi.org/10.1111/acer.14257. Women reporting one, two and ≥ 3 binge drinking

Alcohol, smoking and rectal cancer risk in a Mediterranean cohort of adults Rectal cancers (Rcs) represent one-third of all (HR = 2.04; 95% CI 1.02-4.07). Overall, 9% (95% CI Colorectal cancers. Cigarette smoking and alcohol 4-14%) of RC cases were attributable to drinking drinking are two underestimated risk factors more than 3 drinks/day and 12% (95% CI 3-19%) for RC. A project evaluated the role of alcohol were attributable to current smoke and 20% (95% consumption and cigarette smoking in modulating CI 11-27%) of RC cases were attributable to the RC risk and to estimate the attributable fraction in independent effects of these two exposures. a Mediterranean population. The study supports a strategy to avoid a relevant In the Italian section of the European Prospective proportion of rectal cancer cases through stopping Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, 45,553 cigarette smoking and drinking less than three healthy men and women were recruited, who drinks a day. provided information about lifestyle and dietary Source: Alcohol, smoking and rectal cancer risk in habits. During 14.0 years of median follow-up, 154 a Mediterranean cohort of adults: the European incident RC cases were identified. Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Italy cohort.Bendinelli B, Palli D, Assedi M, An increase in RC risk was found among subjects Facchini L, Grioni S, Agnoli C, Ricceri F, Macciotta A, drinking more than 3 drinks/day, overall (hazard Panico S, Mattiello A, Tumino R, Giurdanella MC, Saieva ratio [HR] = 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] C, Masala G. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2019 Dec 9. 1.08-2.80), and in females (HR= 2.80; 95% CI doi.org/10.1097/MEG.0000000000001607. 1.23-6.35), compared with drinkers of less than 1 drink/day. An increase in risk also emerged for current- compared with never-smokers, overall (HR = 1.57; 95% CI 1.06-2.35) and among males

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - MEDICAL NEWS 9 Alcohol consumption and survival after breast cancer diagnosis in Japanese women It is unclear whether alcohol consumption may breast cancer-specific death (HR: 0.68; 95% CI: impact survival after breast cancer diagnosis. To 0.46–0.99). Light drinkers had a lower risk of breast clarify the association between pre-treatment cancer-specific death (frequency of drinking, HR alcohol consumption and survival in breast cancer = 0.57 for occasional or 1–2 times per week and patients, a prospective patient cohort study was 0.72 for 3–7 times per week; amount of alcohol conducted. consumed per day, HR = 0.57 for <5.0 g and 0.68 for The cohort comprised 1,420 breast cancer patients ≥5.0 g compared with never-drinking). In terms of diagnosed during 1997–2013 at a single institute hormone receptor status, a significantly decreased in Japan. Alcohol drinking and other lifestyle risk of death associated with ever-drinking was factors were assessed by questionnaire survey at observed among women with receptor-negative the initial admission. The patients were followed cancer (ER-/PR-, HR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.20–0.84 for until December 31, 2016. breast cancer-specific death). During a median follow-up period of 8.6 years, 261 The authors conclude that pretreatment, i.e., pre- all-cause and 193 breast cancer-specific deaths diagnosis alcohol consumption is unlikely to have were documented. Survival curves showed that an adverse effect on survival after breast cancer ever-drinkers tended to have better survival than diagnosis. Light alcohol consumption may have a never-drinkers (breast cancer-specific survival). beneficial effect on patient survival. Better survival was also observed for light drinkers Source: Alcohol consumption and survival after breast with an intake of <5.0 g per day. In the Cox model, cancer diagnosis in Japanese women: A prospective patient cohort study. Y Minami, S Kanemura, M ever-drinking was associated with a decreased Kawai, Y Nishino, H Tada, M Miyashita, T Ishida, Y risk of all-cause (HR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.54–1.05) and Kakugawa.PLOS One, Published: November 13, 2019. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0224797

Effects of hop bitter acids, bitter components in beer, on cognition in healthy adults A study aimed to investigate the effects of matured group (P = 0.019). Furthermore, subjective fatigue hop bitter acids (MHBAs) on human cognition, and anxiety at week 12 were significantly improved mental fatigue, and mood state. In a randomised in the MHBAs-treated group (P = 0.008 and 0.043, double-blind placebo-controlled study, 60 healthy respectively) compared with the placebo group. adults (age 45–64 years) with self-awareness of The study authors say that this is the first study to cognitive decline were randomly divided into 2 evaluate the effects of bitter ingredients in beer on groups and received either orally administered cognition, subjective mood, and mental fatigue in MHBAs (35 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. a clinical trial and that their findings suggest that Cognitive functions and mental states were hop-derived bitter acids might be beneficial for assessed using neuropsychological tests or cognition and mood state. questionnaires at baseline and weeks 6 and 12 of Source: Effects of hop bitter acids, bitter components the intervention. in beer, on cognition in healthy adults: a randomized controlled trial. Takafumi Fukuda, Kuniaki Obara, The change in verbal fluency score at week 6 Jiro Saito, Satoshi Umeda, and Yasuhisa Ano. Journal compared with that at baseline was significantly of Agricultural and Food Chemistry Just Accepted higher in the MHBAs-treated group compared Manuscript.doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.9b06660 with the placebo group (P = 0.034), and Stroop test score at week 12 was significantly higher in the MHBAs-treated group compared with the placebo

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - MEDICAL NEWS 10

Alcohol consumption and self-rated health among older people in Sweden Over the past decades, alcohol consumption has drinking was about 2% for both genders. Alcohol increased in the older population in Sweden, but consumption declined with age. Moderate few studies have investigated the association consumption of alcohol was associated with lower between alcohol consumption and self-rated probability of poor self-rated health compared health in this group. The objective of a study was to non-drinking with an adjusted odds ratio 0.64 therefore to investigate alcohol consumption and (95% confidence interval: 0.54-0.76) for men and self-rated health among older Swedes. 0.68 (0.59-0.79) for women. The study was based on a cross-sectional study The authors qualify their findings commenting that of 11,716 men and women, 65 years and over, since the study was cross-sectional the direction of answering a survey questionnaire sent to a random the association could not be determined, and the population sample in mid-Sweden in 2012. Alcohol results should not be interpreted as an argument consumption was assessed with AUDIT-C and its for promoting alcohol consumption among older association with self-rated health using logistic people. regression analysis, adjusting for age, economic Source: Alcohol consumption and self-rated health situation, educational level, BMI, physical activity, among older people: population-based study in social support and medication use. Sweden. Lindström J, Hellström C, Simonsson B, Men (83%) were more likely to drink alcohol Molarius A. J Public Health (Oxf). 2019 Dec 10. pii: compared to women (71%). The prevalence of risk fdz168. doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdz168.

The synergy of resveratrol and alcohol against Helicobacter pylori and underlying anti-Helicobacter pylori mechanism of resveratrol A project investigated the individual antibacterial (17·1%), outer membrane proteins (OMPs) (9·9%), and synergistic antibacterial effects of resveratrol and transports (11·2%) comprise 38·2% of the and alcohol against Helicobacter pylori 26695 downregulated genes. In comparison, genes in vitro, with the aim to elucidate the underlying involved in redox (13·5%), pathogenesis and mechanism of action of resveratrol against the motility (9·9%), iron homeostasis (4·5%) comprise bacteria. 27·9% of the upregulated genes. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MICS) A synergy of resveratrol and alcohol against H. and time-killing curve of resveratrol and alcohol pylori was found in the study. The underlying were determined. Transcriptome analysis by RNA- mechanism of action of resveratrol against H. sequencing was used to elucidate the underlying pylori may be mainly attributed to its inhibitory mechanism of action of resveratrol against H. effect on translation, outer membrane proteins, pylori. transports, ATP synthase and possible oxidative damage. The results showed that the MICs of resveratrol and alcohol against H. pylori 26695 are about The authors state that the study provides a 64μg/ml and 4% (v/v) respectively. The synergy global insight into the anti-H. pylori mechanism was found: resveratrol at concentration of 64μg/ of resveratrol. Both resveratrol and alcohol can ml in combination with alcohol at concentration contribute to inhibition of ribosomes, changes of of 4% (v/v) showed> 10000-fold decrease in the outer membrane proteins, and oxidative damage, mount of viable bacteria compared with either which may be the explanations of synergistic resveratrol or alcohol used alone. Transcriptome effect against H. pylori elicited by resveratrol and analysis showed 152 genes were downregulated alcohol. and 111 genes were upregulated in the presence Source: The synergy of resveratrol and alcohol against Helicobacter pylori and underlying anti-Helicobacter of resveratrol. Genes involved in protein translation pylori mechanism of resveratrol. Xia M, Chen H, Liu S. J Appl Microbiol. 2019 Nov 27. Doi.org/10.1111/

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - MEDICAL/ SOCIAL AND POLICY NEWS 11 Experimental outcomes of the Mediterranean Diet An open access review published in the journal health sciences, RCTs provide the best scientific Nutrients looks at lessons learned from the evidence. Thus, the review analyses the results PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED) of the RCTs performed within the frame of the study, a Spanish multicentre randomised PREDIMED study. The findings showed that MD controlled trial (RCT), designed to assess the long- has beneficial effects in the primary prevention term effects of the Mediterranean Diet, without of CVDs, diabetes and in the management of any energy restriction, on the incidence of CVD in metabolic syndrome. individuals at high cardiovascular (CV) risk. Source: Experimental Outcomes of the Mediterranean Since its inception, the PREDIMED study has Diet: Lessons Learned from the Predimed Randomized Controlled Trial. Kargin D, Tomaino L, Serra-Majem L. contributed greatly to the available literature on Nutrients. 2019 Dec 6;11(12). pii: E2991, open access. the issue. It is well known that, in the field of the doi.org/10.3390/nu11122991. Young children are aware of How did a lower drink-drive limit normative situations for adults to affect bar trade and drinking consume alcohol practices in Scotland A study tested the hypothesis that between A study explored how a reduction in the drink- the ages of 4 and 8, children become more drive limit from 0.08% to 0.05% BAC in Scotland, knowledgeable about common drinking was experienced by bar owners or managers, situations (e.g. ‘partying’) and uncommon including any resultant changes in customer situations (e.g. ‘driving’). drinking or business practice. Data from two independent samples were used: a Semi-structured interviews were conducted with cross-sectional study (parents) and a three-wave 16 owners and managers of on-trade premises longitudinal study (children). To identify common, in Scotland in 2018, approximately three years ambivalent, and uncommon drinking situations, after the drink-drive limit was reduced. Data were 158 parents completed an online survey in which analysed using thematic analysis. they indicated how common it is that any adult Most participants reported no long-term financial would drink alcohol in the 18 situations of the impact on their business, but a few, mainly from Dutch electronic appropriate beverage test rural areas, reported some reduction in alcohol (eABT). 329 children completed the same test sales. Observed drinking changes included fewer to assess their knowledge of situations in which people drinking after work or leaving premises adults usually consume alcohol. earlier on weekdays. Adaptations to businesses The parents’ perceptions of common, ambivalent, included improving the range of no/low-alcohol and uncommon situations in which adults drinks and food offered. Changes such as these consume alcohol predicted the initial level and were seen as key to minimising any potential the change over time in children’s knowledge of economic impact. adults’ alcohol use in these situations. The authors state that although opposition to The researchers conclude t that children aged legislative measures that impact on commercial 4-8 become increasingly knowledgeable about interests is often strong and receives significant drinking norms in specific situations which public attention, their study found that businesses implies that they know in what kind of situation that adapted to the drink-drive limit change alcohol consumption is a common human reported little long-term economic impact. These behaviour. They comment that this knowledge findings are of international relevance as potential may put them at risk for early alcohol initiation BAC limit reductions in several other jurisdictions and frequent drinking later in life. remain the subject of debate. Source: From Age 4 to 8, children become increasingly Source: How did a lower drink-drive limit affect bar aware about normative situations for adults to trade and drinking practices? A qualitative study of consume alcohol.Voogt C, Smit K, Kleinjan M, Otten R, how alcohol retailers experienced a change in policy. Scheffers T, Kuntsche E. Alcohol Alcohol. 2019 Dec 11. Sumpter C, Mohan A, McKell J, Lewsey J, Emslie C, pii: agz093. doi.org/ 10.1093/alcalc/agz093. Fitzgerald N. Drug Alcohol Rev. 2019 Dec 8. doi. org/10.1111/dar.12999.

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - MEDICAL NEWS 12 Older Australians’ perceptions of Educational attainment and drinking alcohol-related harms and low-risk behaviours alcohol guidelines In observation studies, educational attainment In Australia, a study examined older adults’ has been associated with drinking behaviours. knowledge of the National Health and A research team performed Mendelian Research Council’s low-risk drinking guidelines, randomisation analysis to determine whether consumption patterns and associated harms and educational attainment causally affected drinking self-identification of drinking type. behaviours, including amount of alcohol intakes A secondary analyses used data from more (in total and various types), drinking frequency, than 1,000 respondents aged 50+ years in the and drinking with or without meals among 2016 National Drug Strategy Household Survey 334,507 white British participants from the UK including their estimates of low-risk drinking Biobank cohort. levels, perceived level of harm from current They found that genetically instrumented higher drinking, self-identification of drinking type and education (1 additional year) was significantly awareness of standard drinks and labelling were related to higher total amount of alcohol intake. included. Data were examined for those aged 50- The causal relations with total amount and 59 years and 60+. frequency of alcohol drinking were more evident Seventeen percent of older Australians drank among women. In analyses of different types of at both long-term and short-term risk levels. alcohol, higher educational attainment showed the Approximately 39% of males and 11% of females strongest causal relation with more consumption overestimated the long-term low-risk levels and of red wine, followed by white wine/champagne, 54% of males and 20% of females overestimated in a gender-specific manner. An inverse association the short-term low-risk levels. Overestimation was found for beer/cider and spirits. In addition, was highest among risky drinkers. Most older it was found that 1 additional year of educational risky drinkers were aware of standard drinks and attainment was causally related to higher drinking labelling; however, less than half perceived their frequency and a higher likelihood to take alcohol drinking as harmful, instead identifying as social with meals. drinkers. The results indicate causal relations of higher The authors suggest that although substantial education with intake of more total alcohol gaps are evident in older respondents’ estimates especially red wine, and less beer/cider and spirits, of low-risk drinking, additional public awareness more frequent drinking, and drinking with meals, campaigns are likely to be of limited use. Older suggesting the importance of improving drinking peoples’ engagement with the public health behaviours, especially among people with higher system presents ‘windows of opportunity’ to education. provide targeted, age-appropriate harm reduction Source: Educational attainment and drinking behaviors: strategies. Appropriate intervention and policy Mendelian randomization study in UK Biobank. Zhou, T., Sun, D., Li, X. et al. Mol Psychiatry (2019). doi. responses are required to direct resources to this org/10.1038/s41380-019-0596-9 emerging area of concern. Source: Older Australians’ perceptions of alcohol- related harms and low-risk alcohol guidelines.Chapman J, Harrison N, Kostadinov V, Skinner N, Roche A. Drug Alcohol Rev. 2019 Dec 12. doi.org/10.1111/dar.13022.

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - MEDICAL NEWS 13 Alcohol, smoking, excess weight, and Implications of cardioprotective short sleep duration in adolescents in assumptions for national drinking Brazil guidelines and alcohol harm A study analysed the aggregation of alcohol monitoring systems consumption, smoking, excess weight, and short The existence and potential level of sleep in Brazilian adolescents. cardioprotection from alcohol use is contested in A cross-sectional multicenter study was alcohol studies. The authors of a paper published conducted with teens participating in the Study in the International Journal of Environmental of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adolescents Research and Public Health explain that (ERICA in Portuguese). The sample consisted assumptions regarding the risk relationship of adolescents that answered the complete between alcohol use and ischaemic heart disease questionnaires on sleep, tobacco, and alcoholic (IHD) are critical when providing advice for beverages, in addition to having their weight and national drinking guidelines and for designing height measured. Aggregation was analysed by alcohol harm monitoring systems. comparing the observed and expected prevalence The study used three meta-analyses regarding of risk factors in all possible groupings, with the alcohol use and IHD risk to investigate how respective 95% confidence intervals. varying assumptions lead to differential estimates The sample included 73,624 adolescents, of whom of alcohol-attributable (AA) deaths and weighted 25.5% had excess weight and 24.2% consumed relative risk (RR) functions, in Australia and Canada. alcoholic beverages. In the POR (prevalence Alcohol exposure and mortality data were acquired odds ratio) analysis of the combination of two from administrative sources and AA fractions risk factors, those that smoked showed 11.80 were calculated using the International Model of higher odds of also consuming alcohol, compared Alcohol Harms and Policies. A recent Global Burden to those that did not smoke, and vice versa. In of Disease (GBD) analysis was then customised relation to age, adolescents 12 to 14 years of age to inform drinking guidelines internationally. that smoked showed 15.46 times higher odds of Australians drink slightly more than Canadians, also drinking, and vice versa. per person, but are also more likely to identify as The authors conclude that adolescents in the lifetime abstainers. Cardioprotective scenarios sample presented the aggregate presence of four resulted in substantial differences in estimates risk factors, and there was a significant relationship of net AA deaths in Australia (between 2933 and between tobacco and alcohol consumption. 4570) and Canada (between 5179 and 8024), using Source: Aggregation of cardiovascular risk factors: GBD risk functions for all other alcohol-related alcohol, smoking, excess weight, and short sleep conditions. duration in adolescents in the ERICA study.Oliveira G, Country-specific weighted RR functions were Silva TLND, Silva IBD, Coutinho ESF, Bloch KV, Oliveira ERA.Cad Saude Publica. 2019 Nov 28;35(12):e00223318. analysed to provide advice toward drinking doi.org/10.1590/0102-311X00223318. guidelines: Minimum risk was achieved at or below alcohol use levels of 10 g/day ethanol, depending on scenario. Consumption levels resulting in ‘no added’ risk from drinking were found to be between 10 and 15 g/day, by country, gender, and scenario. Source: Implications of cardioprotective assumptions for national drinking guidelines and alcohol harm monitoring systems. Sherk A, Gilmore W, Churchill S, Lensvelt E, Stockwell T, Chikritzhs T. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Dec 6;16(24). doi.org/10.3390/ ijerph16244956

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - MEDICAL NEWS 14 The decline in youth drinking in England—is everyone drinking less? In a study published in the journal Addiction, Reductions in alcohol consumption occurred at Melissa Oldham and colleagues state that youth all percentiles of the consumption distribution alcohol consumption has declined significantly analysed between 2001 and 2016, but the during the past 15 years in many high‐income magnitude of the decline differed across countries, which may have significant public percentiles. The decline in consumption at the 90th health benefits. However, they explain that if percentile was significantly larger than among the reductions in drinking occur mainly among either lighter drinkers at the 50th percentile or lighter drinkers who are at lower risk, then rates heavier drinkers at the 95th. of alcohol‐related harm among young people The researchers conclude that alcohol today and adults in future may not fall in line with consumption among young people in England consumption. There is conflicting evidence from appears to be declining across the consumption Swedish school studies, with some suggesting that distribution, and peaks among heavy drinkers. all young people are drinking less, while others The magnitude of this decline differs significantly suggest that alcohol consumption among heavier between percentiles of the consumption drinkers may be stable or rising while average distribution, with consumption falling consumption declines. Their research extends proportionally less among the lightest, moderate the geographical focus of previous research and and very heaviest youth drinkers. examines whether the decline in youth drinking is Source: The decline in youth drinking in England—is consistent across the consumption distribution in everyone drinking less? A quantile regression analysis. England. M Oldham, S Callinan, V Whitaker, H Fairbrother, P The study used 15 waves of repeat cross‐sectional Curtis, P Meier, M Livingston, J Holmes. Addiction, first published: 27 September 2019. doi.org/10.1111/ survey data for a total of 31 882 schoolchildren add.14824 (50.7% male) aged 11–15 who responded to the Smoking Drinking and Drug Use among Young People surveys England, 2001–16. Inaccuracies in survey reporting of alcohol consumption Alcohol consumption estimates in public health Australian students did not adjust their responses predominantly rely on self-reported survey data to questions with and without the standard drink which is likely to underestimate consumption term and pictorial guide. The US students were volume. Surveys tend to ask specifically about more likely to adjust their responses based on the standard drinks and provide a definition or guide detail of the question asked. Those US students in an effort to gather accurate estimates. A study who drank more frequently and in greater volume aimed to investigate whether the inclusion of were less likely to adjust/apply a conversion to the term standard drinks with pictorial guide is their consumption. associated with an adjustment in self-reported The study supports previous findings of the alcohol volume. inaccuracy of alcohol consumption volume A web-based survey was administered with in surveys, but also demonstrates that an AUDIT-C questions repeated at the beginning assumption of underestimation cannot be applied and end of the survey with and without the to all individual reports of consumption. Using standard drink term and guide. The order in which additional questions to better understand drink respondents were presented with the different types and serving sizes is a potential approach to question types was randomised. Two cohorts of enable accurate calculation of underestimation in university/college students in NSW Australia and survey data, the researchers conclude. the US Pacific Northwest completed the survey Source: Inaccuracies in survey reporting of alcohol online. consumption. Gilligan C, Anderson KG, Ladd BO, Yong YM, David M. BMC Public Health. 2019 Dec 5;19(1):1639. doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7987-3.

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - SOCIAL AND POLICY NEWS 15 Consulting firm issues rules on workplace drinking and Christmas celebrations Consulting firm Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) Another consultancy, BDO, has introduced a “sober has introduced new rules around when and chaperone” policy for its Christmas parties to where employees can drink alcohol in the office, protect potentially vulnerable staff. In an internal meaning that alcohol can only be consumed on memo, the accounting group’s COO told heads the company’s premises if it has been supplied by of department to assign two people the job of in-house catering. staying sober at festive events to “be responsible In 2017 Insurance market Lloyd’s of London in an emergency situation” and “ensure everybody announced a zero-tolerance ban on alcohol during can get home safely”. working hours for staff and in April of this year put Earlier this year, industry regulator the Financial a ban on staff entering its offices if they are under Reporting Council said it expected firms to disclose the influence of drugs or alcohol which applies to all complaints about “non-financial” conduct as people employed by the brokers and insurers who part of their reporting responsibilities, including work in the market. In addition, a hotline has been claims of harassment, bullying, alcohol and drug set up where staff can report bad behaviour. abuse. Fellow consulting firm KPMG has sent staff a Reports from event organisers suggest that more “guideline for employee conduct” and has said it employers were requesting “accessible” and will employ “chaperones” at its Christmas party to “activity-based” parties rather than holding events look after staff and ensure everyone gets home in bars. Pub group Greene King also reported a safely. rise in companies booking lunchtime meals rather than evening dinners. Alcohol consumption predicted to drop by 6% this Christmas in the UK According to Tesco’s annual Christmas report, more likely to request a ‘mocktail’ than men (10% alcohol consumption is expected to drop by six compared to 3%). And 18-34 year-olds are twice as per cent over the festive period, with a third of likely to order a non-alcoholic drink than the older millennials planning to host a teetotal Christmas. generation (12% compared to 6%). A study of 2,010 UK adults found drinking around Tesco’s report also revealed how hosts are having the festive period is in a slight decline compared to to diversify one of their most important meals of Christmas 2018. the year. A third are catering for an alternative One in four are expecting to cater for guests who diet, with 21% preparing a Christmas dinner for choose not to drink alcohol at all, along with those vegetarians or vegans. 14% of respondents said who are driving (23%) and people who would they would be reducing their meat intake to simply like an alternative to alcohol (20%). become more sustainable, with Londoners (28%) The report, which coincides with Tesco’s 100th topping the list. anniversary, also found women are three times www.tescochristmasreport.com

Alcohol and skiing don’t mix, suggests study According to new research, skiers are 43% more The experiment required experienced skiers to likely to be involved in a crash after drinking, with complete runs on a ski simulator before they were 3.8 million people having reported injuries on the given alcohol to consume and asked to complete slopes during the past five years that were as a the runs again. direct result of consuming alcohol. As well as a huge increase in the likelihood of The data was gathered by insurer Direct Line, which crashing after drinking six units of alcohol, the combined survey results from 2,000 holidaymakers experiment showed that even drinking three units with a simulator experiment to assess how alcohol – the equivalent of a large glass of wine – impacted affects someone’s ability to ski. skiers’ confidence and decision-making.

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - SOCIAL AND POLICY NEWS 16 Portman Group celebrate 30 years of responsibility • Action by the Group members to promote responsible drinking has contributed to the UK population drinking less often and, when they do choose to drink, drinking less – with associated declines in binge drinking, underage drinking, alcohol-related crime and incidences of drink driving. The Portman Group published its latest report, Commenting, Portman Group Chief Executive 30 Years of Responsibility on 9th December. The John Timothy said: report details the group’s work over the past 30 “We have made great progress as an industry in years with regards to regulating the UK alcohol tackling harm and misuse over the last 30 years, industry safely and effectively. These include but we acknowledge that there is still more to • The creation of the Code of Practice on the do. There remains in the UK a minority of people Naming, Packaging and Promotion of Alcoholic who drink far too much. Some of those people Drinks in 1996, which has been credited lead complex and unstable lives where alcohol worldwide with raising standards of marketing will exacerbate a range of other challenges. As the responsibility across the UK alcohol industry Portman Group looks to its future as a responsible and is supported by all major producers, and effective regulator, we need to be prepared to wholesalers and retailers. evolve to stay relevant as an organisation for the • Over 150 irresponsible products have been next 30 years, as the population’s relationship with either re-branded or removed from the alcohol continues to change. market after being ruled by the Independent We also need to challenge ourselves to ask if Complaints Panel to have failed to meet the we’re doing enough, individually and collectively, Code’s standards, helping to protect the most to minimise the risk of harm from alcohol misuse, vulnerable in society. and support those who make the informed choice to drink to do responsibly. I believe in a • Portman Group members were among the vibrant and diverse alcohol industry, yet also first to include unit labelling and responsible an industry which takes its commitment to drinking messaging on packaging, helping responsible drinking seriously through solid, consumers to make an informed choice. tangible actions in step with a diverse range of • The Group played a lead role in the development partners in Government, local authorities and the and enactment of several key pledges in the health community.” Government’s Public Health Responsibility Deal portmangroup.org.uk/wp-content/ in 2011, which led to 1.3 billion units of alcohol uploads/2019/12/Portman-Group-30-Years-of- being removed from the market. Responsibility.pdf • The Group pioneered a variety of consumer- youtube.com/watch?v=1i9hNUHmI7w focused educational campaigns to warn of the dangers of alcohol misuse and promote responsible drinking among the public, which led to the establishment of the independent charity – The Drinkaware Trust.

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - SOCIAL AND POLICY NEWS 17 Introduction of 50p minimum unit “It’s not that simple” – Adfam’s 2019 price for alcohol approved in Welsh Conference Assembly vote Wed 4th Dec, London In November the Welsh government agreed to ADFAMS’ 2019 Conference set the minimum price for alcohol at 50p per will focus on the multiple unit. Under the Public Health (Minimum Price for impacts of substance use Alcohol) (Wales) Act 2018, it will be an offence for on families, best practice alcohol to be supplied below that price in Wales. in the field, and the In a press release, the government said it is possible solutions that estimated that introducing a 50p minimum unit can be adopted to tackle price (MUP) would: these pervasive problems. • result in 66 fewer deaths and 1,281 fewer The conference offers the chance to hear from hospital admissions in Wales per year commissioners, practitioners, service managers, • would save the Welsh NHS more than £90 influencers, and families affected by substance million over 20 years, in direct healthcare costs use. There will be breakouts aimed at different • would reduce workplace absence, which is delegates, for those affected by these issues, who estimated to fall by up to 9,800 days per year work in the sector, or just have a general interest. • over a 20 year period, the introduction of a eventbrite.co.uk/e/its-not-that-simple-adfams- MUP could contribute £783 million to the 2019-conference-tickets-69998863485) Welsh economy in terms of the reduction in alcohol-related illness, crime and workplace Mindful drinking report absence. Drinks retailing published A recent report from a consortium of researchers the 2019 Buyers Guide has shown the introduction of a 50p minimum to Mindful drinking in unit price for alcohol in Wales is unlikely to see November. drinkers switching to other substances or drugs. Two-fifths of young people The Welsh Government is working with service in Great Britain aged 18- providers and healthcare professionals to ensure 24 either do not drink or information about the policy is available, and are trying to moderate the appropriate services are in place to support their alcohol consumption, people. A national communications campaign according to Kantar. will also launch ahead of the introduction of a However, the largest group of teetotallers in minimum price for alcohol to make the public, Britain are women aged 50 and above. They retailers and those effected by the change aware. account for a third of all people abstaining from Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton or reducing their intake of alcohol. These statistics said, “We want to reduce alcohol related harm illustrate the importance for retailers to embrace and deaths in Wales. Nearly 1 in 5 adults are the trend for mindful drinking, essentially this drinking above the safe guideline of 14 units per means moderating alcohol consumption. This can week. Binge drinking a large quantity of cheap take the form of drinking less but drinking better alcohol is particularly damaging on people’s quality, and primarily it focuses on championing health and has a huge impact on NHS resources. low and no-alcohol alternatives. The introduction of an MUP aims to support the drinksretailingnews.co.uk/files/Supplements/ reduction of excess drinking and could help save Mindful_Drinking_2019_LR.pdf many lives”. https://gov.wales/introduction-of-50p-minimum- unit-price-for-alcohol-approved-in-assembly-vote

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - SOCIAL AND POLICY NEWS 18 New study finds Christmas is the season for peak drinking and hangovers A poll by Drinkaware reveals that 61% of drinkers The poll found that drinkers who work are also in the UK over-indulge with alcohol over the more likely to feel pressured to drink at their festive season more than they usually do, and 18% festive work party (33%) than other times of year, say they typically suffer more hangovers during such as New Year’s Eve (where 29% say they feel this period. The survey carried out by YouGov was more pressure to drink) and Christmas Day (20%). used online responses from 2,402 adults, 2,093 of 29% reported that they feel extra pressure to drink whom drink alcohol. Fieldwork was undertaken over the festive period with their work colleagues. between 29th - 30th October 2019. More than one in ten (13%) UK drinkers admit they avoid social occasions this festive season because of the pressure to drink alcohol.

British pub numbers grow for first time in decade Official figures showing that the number of pubs in The ONS estimated the total number of pubs at the UK has increased for the first time this decade. 39,135 in March 2019, while the BBPA published By March 2019 there were 39,135 pubs, 320 more a figure of 47,600 at the end of 2018, down from than a year earlier, according to the Office of 48,350 the year before. National Statistics (ONS). It is the first net increase The increase shown in the ONS numbers was driven since 2010. almost entirely by a rise in the number of pubs in While the ONS figures showed an increase, England. Wales ended the year with 25 fewer pubs, industry trade body the British Beer and Pub Scotland declined by five and Northern Ireland Association (BBPA) warned that its own statistics, increased by the same amount, but England which capture a higher number of pubs, showed a recorded an increase of 345. The expansion was turning point has not yet been reached. mainly thanks to larger pubs. ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/business/ activitysizeandlocation/articles/ On-trade sales of no and low options rise by 48% Sales of no- and low-alcohol drinks in the on-trade some 8.9 million consumers – reporting that they have risen nearly 50% in the last year, according to are attracted to the category. a new report from food-and-drink sector analysts Charlie Mitchell, senior consumer research CGA. manager at CGA, said: “Our report shows there The report ‘Understanding Moderation in the is huge potential for operators and suppliers to On-Trade’ is based on CGA’s exclusive BrandTrack capitalise on the growing number of moderators. survey of 5,000 adult British consumers. It estimates With even more people likely to cut back on booze that the category is now worth over £60m, up after the Christmas excesses, producers, operators 48% in the last 12 months. However, growth is and suppliers are queuing up to jump on the being driven by consumers looking to moderate opportunity with an ever-increasing range of no- their alcohol consumption, not stopping drinking and low- alcohol alternatives. alcohol altogether. Only 9% of those who drink no- “With many consumers eager to trial them out of and low-alcohol beverages consider themselves curiosity, along with the evident health drivers to be teetotal. associated, the challenge will be to build loyalty Growth in the category is being driven by and repeat trial in a market where it is increasingly completely alcohol-free offers, which are up nearly hard to stand out.” 80%. The report also shows the potential for further More than four million consumers signed up to growth in the sector. As many as 32% of drinkers the Dry January campaign in 2019, a number that have tried a no- or low-alcohol beverage in the is expected to rise in 2020. last six months, with a further 18.4% – equating to cga.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/CGA- Sales-Presenter-No-Low-Report-1.pdf

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - SOCIAL AND POLICY NEWS 19 Substance misuse treatment statistics for England 2018 to 2019 Data collected by PHE’s National Drug Treatment treatment successfully compared with other Monitoring System (NDTMS) found that in substance misuse clients – 60% compared with 2018/19, the number of adults in England receiving 25% of clients seeking treatment for opiate use. treatment for alcohol misuse changed little in the gov.uk/government/statistics/substance-misuse- past year, and has remained fairly static in the past treatment-for-adults-statistics-2018-to-2019 decade. A second report from NDTMS presents information Overall, there were 268,251 adults in contact with about young people under the age of 18 who drug and alcohol services between April 2018 received specialist substance misuse treatment in and March 2019. The number of adults entering England between 1 April 2018 and 31 March 2019. treatment increased by 4% on the previous year, There were 14,485 young people in contact with the first increase in the number of people coming drug and alcohol services in 2018 to 2019. 66% to treatment since 2013/14. The number of those were male (the same proportion as the last 2 years). in treatment for alcohol alone remained stable. The The median age for both male and female was increase therefore likely reflects recent increases in 15 years old. The proportion of younger children the prevalence of illicit drug use. (under 14) in treatment remained relatively low Just over a quarter of all adults receiving (9%). substance misuse treatment do so for alcohol only Cannabis remained the most common substance representing three-fifths of all those receiving (88%) that young people come to treatment some form of alcohol treatment). Together, these for, the same proportion as the last 3 years. 44% account for 48% of all those in contact with drug of young people said they had problems with and alcohol services in 2018/19. Almost 70% of alcohol (compared to 46% the previous year), people in contact with alcohol treatment services 14% reported ecstasy and 10% reported powder only are over the age of 40. The median age of the cocaine problems. There was a slight increase alcohol only group is 46, significantly older than in the number of young people seeking help for among other substance use groups. opiates such as heroin but they still accounted for Among new presentations to treatment centres, less than 1% of those in treatment. There was a those accessing alcohol services only represented 53% increase in young people reporting a problem two-thirds of all those receiving some form of with benzodiazepines from the previous year, and alcohol treatment, and those receiving some 3 times the number in 2016 to 2017. form of alcohol treatment made up 60% of all 32% of young people who started treatment this new presentations to drug and alcohol services in year said they had a mental health treatment need, 2018/19. which is 5% higher than last year. A mental health Those seeking alcohol services only were more treatment need was reported more commonly by likely to refer themselves to treatment centres girls (42%) compared to than boys (28%). The most (66%) and were more often able to complete common vulnerability reported by young people in treatment was early onset of substance use (77%), which means the young person started misusing substances before the age of 15. This was followed by poly-drug use (56%). Proportionally, girls tended to report more vulnerabilities than boys, particularly self-harming behaviour (29% compared with 10%) and sexual exploitation (11% compared with 1%). gov.uk/government/publications/ substance-misuse-treatment-for-young- people-statistics-2018-to-2019/young- peoples-substance-misuse-treatment- statistics-2018-to-2019-report

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - SOCIAL AND POLICY NEWS 20 Alcohol-specific deaths in the UK: registered in 2018 There were 7,551 deaths registered in the UK in England remained the lowest of the four countries 2018 that related to alcohol-specific causes, lower at 6.9 deaths per than the previous year’s 7,697 deaths but still the 100,000 females, England saw a significant second highest since the time series began in increase in the female rate since 2001 (an increase 2001. of 22% from 5.6 deaths per 100,000). In contrast, The 2018 alcohol-specific death rate in the UK was the female alcohol-specific death rate in 2018 11.9 deaths per 100,000 people, remaining stable for Scotland (13.1 deaths per 100,000) was a with no significant change since last year. statistically significant decrease of 10% since 2001. Scotland had the highest rate of alcohol-specific Alcohol-specific death rates remained highest in deaths registered in 2018, followed by Wales the North East region in 2018. London was the and England with 20.8, 13.1 and 10.7 deaths per only English region to have lower rates of alcohol- 100,000 people respectively; figures for Northern specific deaths Ireland will be published later this year. ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/ Rates of alcohol-specific deaths in males have healthandsocialcare/causesofdeath/bulletins/ been more than double those in females (16.4 alcoholrelateddeathsintheunitedkingdom/2018 and 7.6 deaths per 100,000 in 2018 respectively) since the beginning of the time series in 2001. Figure 1: Rates of alcohol-specific deaths have increased 13% since 2001 Alcohol-specific death rates were highest among men aged 55 to 59 years and women aged 60 to 64 years in 2018. Male rates of alcohol- specific death have declined significantly in Scotland. Scotland had the highest alcohol-specific death rate registered in 2018 at 29.4 deaths per 100,000 males, a statistically significant decrease of 25% compared with the rate in 2001 (39.0 Figure 4: Rates of alcohol-specific deaths remain highest in Scotland deaths per 100,000). Wales and England continued to have the lowest rates in 2018, with 17.7 and 14.8 alcohol-specific deaths per 100,000 males, respectively. Since 2001 female rates of alcohol-specific death have increased significantly in England. Scotland is the only country to see a decrease over time in female rates of alcohol- specific deaths. Although the alcohol-specific death rate in

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - SOCIAL AND POLICY NEWS 21 Health Survey for England 2018 The 2018 Health Survey for England finds that 14% The percentage of men drinking more than 8 units of men and 21% of women said that they did not on any day in the last week dropped from 24% in drink in the last 12 months and 55% of men and 2006 to 19% in 2018. There was a similar decrease 64% of women reported drinking at levels which among women: between 2006 and 2013 the put them at lower risk of alcohol-related harm (i.e proportion consuming more than 3 units on any consuming up to 14 units of alcohol per week). day in the last week dropped from 33% to 27%. Compared to women, men were twice as likely The proportion of children aged 8 to 15 reporting to drink at an increasing risk level (11% and 25% ever having had a proper alcoholic drink fell from respectively); for men this was defined as more 45% in 2003 to 14% in 2018. The prevalence of boys than 14 units and up to 50 units, and for women aged 8 to 15 ever having had a proper alcoholic more than 14 units and up to 35 units. 5% of men drink varied between 42% and 47% between 1999 drank over 50 units and 3% of women drank over and 2003, but has since fallen. Between 2014 and 35 units (higher risk levels) in the last week. 2018, the proportion was 16% and in 2018 it fell to The proportion of men and women usually 14%. drinking over 14 units in a week varied across age A higher proportion of children had ever had a groups and was most common among men and proper alcoholic drink if their mother or father women aged 55 to 64 (38% and 19% respectively). consumed alcohol at an increased or higher risk Proportions drinking at these levels then declined level (over 14 units a week) compared to those among both sexes from the age of 65. Across all whose parents did not drink alcohol. Children age groups, men were more likely than women to whose mother consumed alcohol at an increased drink at increasing and higher risk levels. or higher risk (over 14 units per week) were over 65% of men and 50% of women had drunk three times as likely to have consumed alcohol alcohol in the last week. The proportion of men themselves than if their mother had not drunk and women drinking in the last week increased any alcohol in the last 12 months (25% and 7% with age and was highest among both men and respectively). Similarly, children whose father women aged 65 to 74 (71% and 58% respectively). consumed alcohol at an increased or higher risk In the 75+ age group the prevalence of drinking in level were four times as likely (20%) to have tried the last week decreased among both sexes. alcohol than if he had not drunk any alcohol in the The highest proportions of non-drinkers were in last 12 months (5%). Boys were more likely than London (28%) and the lowest proportions in the girls to have tried alcohol if their father drank at East of England (9%). The proportion of adults who increased or higher risk levels (27% compared with were non-drinkers was highest in most deprived 14%) although there was no difference between areas (29%) compared with 10% in the least boys and girls if their mother drank at this level deprived areas. (both 25%). Adults in least deprived areas were more likely digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/ to drink over 14 units in a usual week (27%) than statistical/health-survey-for-england/2018 those in most deprived areas (18%). 36% of men Proportion of adults drinkin at increased or higher risk of harm in the least deprived areas drank at increasing and higher risk levels, compared with 27% of men in the most deprived areas. 17% of women in the least deprived areas drank more than 14 units compared with 10% of woman in the most deprived areas. 13% of adults drank on five or more days in the last week (17% of men and 9% of women). Drinking on five or more days increased from 3% of adults aged 16 to 24 to 21% of adults aged 65 to 74.

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - SOCIAL AND POLICY NEWS 22 Scottish Schools Adolescent Lifestyle and Substance Use Survey (SALSUS): Alcohol report 2018 The The Scottish Schools Adolescent Lifestyle and 2018, there was an increase in the proportion and Substance Use Survey (SALSUS) provides who thought it was ‘ok’ to try drinking (from 40% information on patterns of behaviour in relation in 2015 to 51% in 2018). There was also a small to smoking, drinking and drug use; sources of increase in acceptability among 15 year olds. The cigarettes, alcohol and drugs; pupils’ attitudes and proportion thinking that it was ‘ok’ for someone the attitudes of families and friends to substance their age to try alcohol rose from 73% in 2015 to use; and contextual information on the relationship 79% in 2018. between substance use and other lifestyle, health Among 15 year olds, girls were more likely than and social factors. boys to think that trying an alcoholic drink was The survey is the Scottish Government’s main ‘ok’. There was no statistical difference between 13 source of information on alcohol, drug and year old boys and girls. tobacco use among Scotland’s young people The normalisation of drinking and drunkenness as and is used to inform progress towards Scottish a ‘thing that is acceptable to do’ is still embedded Government policies to reduce the harms from in children’s attitudes towards alcohol. The smoking, drinking and drug use among children proportion of pupils who think it is ‘ok’ to try and young people. Results from the latest survey drinking has shown a marked increase between were published on 26 November. 2015 and 2018, and has the proportion of pupils The survey showed that among all groups, who thought it was ok to get drunk. the proportion of pupils who have ever had an A number of aspects of family life were associated alcoholic drink has increased since 2015. Drinking with a greater likelihood of having drunk alcohol in the last week is also increasing in all groups in the last week. These were: living with a single except 15 year old girls. In addition, there has been or step parent; low maternal knowledge of the an increase in the proportion of pupils who had pupil’s activities; not talking to family when feeling ever been drunk, with the exception of 15 year old worried; and having caring responsibilities boys. gov.scot/publications/scottish-schools- Among both age groups, pupils were most likely to adolescent-lifestyle-substance-use-survey-salsus- get alcohol from their home, from a friend or from a drug-use-report-2018/ relative. Direct purchase of alcohol from a business was rare. Thirteen year olds were most likely to get alcohol from home, (either with or without permission), whereas 15 year olds were most likely to get their alcohol from a friend. Boys were more likely than girls to say that they purchased alcohol directly from a business (for example, 4% of boys said they purchased alcohol from an off-licence, compared with 2% of girls), whereas girls were more likely than boys to get alcohol from a friend (34% of girls compared with 29% of boys) or relative (34%, compared with 28%). 51% of 13 year olds thought that it was ‘ok’ for someone their age to try drinking alcohol, while 79% of 15 year olds thought it was ‘ok’. Among 13 year olds, the acceptability of drinking had been decreasing since 2006. However, between 2015

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - SOCIAL AND POLICY NEWS 23 Scotch Whisky Action Fund commits French government scraps plans for support to six new projects in Dry January campaign Scotland In France, it is reported that the national health The Scotch Whisky Action Fund (SWAF) has agency was considering the launch of a Dry announced a list of six projects that it will be January replica campaign. However, concerns were supporting over the coming year as part of the raised in early November by wine and champagne industry’s ongoing commitment to tackling experts across France about the economic impact alcohol misuse. of an alcohol-free month. The SWAF was launched in 2013 and is French President Emmanuel Macron also voiced administered by Foundation Scotland. Funding is opposition to promoting such a campaign. given to projects taking an innovative approach Speaking after a lunch with the French leader in to addressing the issues around alcohol misuse Epernay After lunch with the French President, within a community or section of society. Maxime Toubart, chairman of the Champagne winegrowers’ association and co-chairman of the By 2023, the Fund will have provided £1million of Champagne marketing board said that Macron support, and the latest announcement brings the was opposed to the idea of an alcohol-free January, number of individual initiatives awarded funding and assured him that there would not be a “Janvier to 48. The SWAF also holds an annual learning Sec”. event, bringing project representatives together to network, share learnings and identify and The news has been welcomed by the National discuss common issues. Association of Elected Officials of the Vine and Wine (ANEV), which expressed its concern over scotch-whisky.org.uk/newsroom/scotch-whisky- the proposed measure to the government, but action-fund-commits-support-to-six-new- the Association Fédération Addiction said that projects-in-scotland/ it condemned the absence of an organised consultation on the scheme, noting that the decision to take Dry January off the table was due to the “influence of lobbies”.

Drug-drivers targeted in festive drink-drive campaign in Scotland

Police Scotland has launched its annual campaign drink, do not take the risk because you are going against drink-driving - with drug-drivers also to be endangering yourself and other road users. being targeted. The campaign is the first since new “The message is unequivocal. If you get pulled roadside drug-detection kits were introduced on over, you are going to get tested for drink and 21 October that check for cannabis and cocaine as drugs. And if you are found to have traces of either, well as six other substances. More than 100 drivers there will be some really serious consequences.” have tested positive since the DrugWipe kits were Police Scotland’s deputy head of road policing, introduced. Supt Louise Blakelock, said she hoped the Launching the festive campaign, Justice Secretary latest campaign would remind people of “the Humza Yousaf said: “The drug-driving law and devastating consequences driving with alcohol or Scotland’s low driver-alcohol limit are focused on drugs in their system can have”. making our roads safer for everyone. Supt Blakelock said: “We’ve always had the power “We’ve got to keep hammering the message to deal with drug-driving but we’ve now got better home. If you have had a tipple, a drop, a little bit to powers with the ability to do a roadside test.

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - SOCIAL AND POLICY NEWS 24 Annual Responsible Drinking Initiatives meeting in Brussels On 21 November, spiritsEUROPE hosted the Recent insights in behavioural economics and Annual RDI Meeting in Brussels, bringing together nudging offer a number of new and interesting European and international experts involved in approaches that can be successfully integrated devising and running initiatives to encourage into RDIs to increase their effectiveness. In sensible relationships with alcohol and reduce addition, digital technology provides a whole harmful consumption. new world of opportunities to tailor messages Participants welcomed the fact that the meeting and content provision via social media to specific took place amidst a positive context in Europe audiences, at specific times, in specific locations. marked by significant and consistent reductions When combining digital campaigns with new, in heavy episodic drinking, underage drinking and digitally enabled businesses such as Uber, entirely drink-driving in recent years. While such progress new and helpful services can be created that, for was seen as encouraging, everybody agreed that instance, encourage people to make better use of more needs to be done. safe riding opportunities home (e.g. via Uber) and The meeting focussed on two key questions: First effectively reduce drink-driving. of all, how to make best use of new & innovative The meeting agreed that continuous, rigorous approaches for RDIs and second, how to improve evaluations are key to review progress made. evaluation and feedback loops to measure Again here, digital tools offer new and exciting progress and refine RDIs moving forward ? opportunities to obtain real-time feedback on the pick-up rate, user acceptance and interaction levels with a campaign.

Ireland launches education resource on alcohol and drugs On 27 November, Minister for Health Simon Harris health approach towards reducing the harms TD, Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh from alcohol and drugs. Know the Score is a good TD and Minister of State for Health Promotion and example of the partnership working to promote the National Drugs Strategy Catherine Byrne TD the health and well-being of our young people, and launched ‘Know the Score’, a new national resource to support teachers and schools in the important for teachers of senior cycle students aimed at work they do as part of the wider Healthy Ireland guiding and supporting them to improve their agenda. knowledge and strengthen their skills in dealing “Along with a range of other measures in the with the risks associated with alcohol and drugs. Public Health (Alcohol) Act, we are driving practical ‘Know the Score’ is the first national evidence- changes in our society in order to ensure that there based resource on alcohol and drugs for will be no room for alcohol in Irish childhoods. senior cycle students and was developed in It is vital that students, teachers and parents get partnership between public health and education information and supports from trusted resources professionals, with input from teachers and young like the HSE, so that our young people are enabled people. to develop the important life-skills they need to Topics addressed include building cultural make healthy choices. awareness of attitudes towards alcohol in Ireland, https://www.gov.ie/en/news/593c30-ministers- the impact of alcohol on the body and the brain, for-health-and-education-launch-know-the- the influences of alcohol branding and sponsorship score-a-new-educa/ and information on how to provide emergency care if they are concerned about someone who has been drinking or taking drugs. The resource also addresses cannabis use and the damage caused by alcohol and drugs to mental health. “I am delighted to launch this excellent resource which represents an important step in our public

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - SOCIAL AND POLICY NEWS 25 ETSC Drink Drive report The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) Key recommendations to member states include: held a high-level conference on drink-driving on • Improve data collection of alcohol-related road 11 December 2019 in Brussels. Representatives deaths, mandate systematic testing of all road from the European Commission and the European users involved in a collision with injury. Parliament participated as well as experts from EU • Consider adopting a zero tolerance level (i.e. a Member States who shared their experiences in maximum BAC of 0.2g/l) for all road users. tackling drink-driving in their countries. • Intensify enforcement by setting annual targets The conference saw the launch of the latest ETSC for the number of police roadside alcohol Drink-Driving progress report, which shows checks. Couple enforcement with publicity individual country performance in reducing road activities. deaths attributed to drink driving compared with progress in reducing other road deaths. • Develop use of alcohol interlocks as part of rehabilitation programmes for first time high- According to the report, 25,150 people were killed level and recidivist offenders. in the European Union as a consequence of road collisions in 2018.1 Driving under the influence of • Mandate the use of alcohol interlocks for alcohol is one of the four main killers on the road, professional drivers. alongside speeding, non-use of seatbelts and driver • Organise regular nationwide campaigns to raise distraction. Around 2,654 people were recorded the public’s understanding of how dangerous killed in alcohol-related collisions in police records mixing alcohol and using the roads is. in 2018 in 23 EU countries, compared to 3,544 in Key recommendations to eu institutions include 2010. Recorded road deaths attributed to alcohol • Propose a directive on drink-driving, setting were cut by 25% between 2010 and 2018 in the a zero-tolerance level for all drivers. Develop EU23, while other road deaths went down by 20% best practice guidelines on drink-driving over the same period. In 15 countries, progress enforcement and sanctions. in reducing alcohol-related road deaths has been • Ensure the timely adoption of the implementing faster than overall reductions in other road deaths. legislation on alcohol interlock installation The report emphasises that enforcement is facilitation for motor vehicles. essential for giving drivers the feeling that there • Mandate the use of alcohol interlocks, for is a significant risk of being caught and punished recidivist offenders and professional drivers. when drinking and driving. Understanding road • Revise the EU Directive on driving licences. user perceptions on the risk of being subjected to drink-driving enforcement is crucial to evaluating etsc.eu/wp-content/uploads/ the effectiveness of police efforts. On average, in reducingdrinkdriving_031219_design_final.pdf 2018, 22.5% of European respondents thought that, on a typical journey, they would be likely to be checked for drink-driving by the police (compared to 18% in 2015). Even though driver perception on the likelihood to be tested for alcohol has increased since 2015, the scale of enforcement activities in the EU remains largely insufficient. There is a widespread consensus that the actual number of alcohol-related road deaths in many countries is higher than the officially-reported numbers. The European Commission estimates that the actual number of alcohol-related road deaths in the EU is up to 25% of all road deaths.3 Yet based on official data reported by EU Member States, the proportion of alcohol-related deaths in the EU is around 14% of all road deaths.

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - SOCIAL AND POLICY NEWS 26 European Beer Trends Statistics Wine in Moderation launches major report rebranding The Brewers of Europe’s European Beer Trends Statistics Report shows that there are Wine in Moderation has launched a major now 10,000 breweries rebranding with a new message of “CHOOSE | in the European SHARE | CARE”. The new Brand Strategy, message Union and that both and visual identity are a result of a year-long the production and reflection 10 years after the creation of the consumption of beer association. have gradually grown year on year for the last The company says that through the new Brand five years. The figures show continued growth in Strategy and communication, Wine in Moderation many key metrics. Beer production volumes have will continue to support wine professionals to surpassed the 400 million hectolitre mark in the inspire a sustainable culture of wine. With sound EU for the first time in a decade. scientific evidence and responsible service training Consumption rose in every single country in professionals will be provided knowledge, skills 2018, with consumers able to choose from a and tools, to help them understand the benefits of more varied, more specialised range of beers. As moderate consumption and risks associated with some consumers switch towards lower strength alcohol abuse. products such as beer, and on certain occasions wineinmoderation.eu/en/home/ towards non- and lower alcohol within the beer category, this beer growth is coinciding with a Responsible drinking campaign in decline both in overall alcohol volumes and in Portugal harmful drinking in Europe. For its annual Christmas action, the Portuguese Pierre-Olivier Bergeron, Secretary General of Wine And Spirits Association, ACIBEV, has launched The Brewers of Europe, said: “It is fantastic to be a campaign calling for a responsible and moderate able to announce the 10,000th brewery in the consumption of alcoholic beverages. European Union. The Brewers of Europe welcomes The spot is being broadcast on television and in all new breweries, many of which are SMEs and cinemas from the 20th of November to the 31st of microbreweries, and we are very much encouraged December. From the 28th of November to the 25th by their role in diversifying and strengthening the of December, a 30 second advert is being aired in sector as a whole across Europe. cinemas all over Portugal, and is expected to reach “More than ever, brewers have stepped up to a total of 40,880 views. This year, the spot will be meet consumers’ expectations for innovation in aired at the launch of the movie “Star Wars - The products, more sustainable production, as well Rise of Skywalker Star”. as for increased choice such as lower-alcohol As national coordinator, ACIBEV is responsible for offerings and speciality beers,” he added. implementing the Wine in Moderation programme Poland is now the second largest beer producer – in Portugal through actions that encourages a swapping places with the UK. France has increased healthy lifestyle by focusing on the importance of the number of breweries in the country by 45% moderate wine consumption. year-on-year, from 1100 to 1600. Slovenia and Ireland saw their brewery numbers rise by 50% and 25% respectively. brewersofeurope.org/uploads/mycms-files/ documents/publications/2019/european-beer- trends-2019-web.pdf

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - SOCIAL AND POLICY NEWS 27 Drive sober or get pulled over in the US NHTSA released a new advertisement called “No Big Deal,” which vividly illustrates the destruction caused by a drunk driver. This ad is accompanied by a 360-degree virtual reality (VR) web experience of a drunk driving crash scene, that allows the viewer to interact with first responders and understand how one selfish choice to drink and drive can affect others. In the US, the NHTSA is running its annual Drive The “No Big Deal” VR experience also highlights Sober or Get Pulled Over holiday campaign another consequence of drinking and driving: (December 13-31) to raise public awareness of the getting arrested. Law enforcement around the dangers of drunk driving. country will be making a special effort during Drive Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over highlights why it Sober or Get Pulled Over to find and arrest drunk is so critical to always drive sober. Over the past drivers. The average arrest, including attorney 5 years, an average of 300 people died in drunk- fees, fines, court costs, and other expenses, can set driving crashes during the Christmas through New you back $10,000. About one-third of all drivers Year’s holiday period. In December 2016 alone, 781 arrested or convicted of drunk driving are repeat people lost their lives in drunk-driving crashes. offenders. https://www.nhtsa.gov/crash/ Diageo launches holiday social media campaign #Jointhepact Diageo North America unveiled its new insights packed into a highly visual, emotive and #JOINTHEPACT social media campaign to prevent easy to engage with campaign, centering on the drunk driving during the holiday season and greatest freedom of them all – our right to stay support the company’s global ambition to collect alive - we are confident consumers will connect to 50 million pledges to never drive impaired. Using this message, and pledge to Join The Pact to never hard-hitting statistics about the effects of drunk drive impaired,“ driving, underpinned by the value of “freedom” as “Although drunk driving is at an historic low in the a powerful message, the campaign encourages United States, the reality is that one in three drunk consumers to exercise their own right to make driving fatalities happen during the holidays, and important life-saving choices, including a pledge we believe that a single accident caused by drunk to never drive impaired. driving is one too many and can be prevented.” In a series of real-life scenarios with people The campaign will be activated across social media exercising their freedom to live their lives the way (Instagram and Twitter) with three unique videos, they want - whether it’s at a special celebration of varying lengths, targeting young adults of legal or throughout daily activities - the narrative drinking age. thread shows them raising their hands in different jointhepact.com/en-us/ ways as a symbol of that freedom. As each story unfolds and raises awareness about the effects of drunk driving with statistics, the campaign invites consumers to also exercise their freedom to make life-saving choices, such as planning different transportation options or to simply walk, instead of deciding to drive. Caroline Rhodes, VP, Corporate Relations, Diageo North America commented, “The notion of freedom is a privilege, and the need for positive thinking and action is essential. With these

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - SOCIAL AND POLICY NEWS 28 Éduc’alcool issues warning against combining alcohol and cannabis The Éduc’alcool publication, “Alcohol and better to play it safe. cannabis: a very bad combination,” warns users • Cannabis affects certain about the synergy that heightens the effects of critical faculties and both substances. This important concern that has greatly amplifies the not been raised in the public conversation since effects of alcohol. cannabis was legalised in Canada. The depressant You cannot have any effects of both alcohol and cannabis are amplified cannabis in your blood if when the two are taken together. In particular, this you’re driving: the legal affects judgement, reaction time and coordination, limit is zero. making it absolutely unadvisable to drive. In conclusion, Éduc’alcool The key messages of the publication are that recommends against combining alcohol and • It is a very bad idea to combine alcohol and cannabis, since the effects can be unpredictable, cannabis. even for experienced users. If it should happen • Alcohol and cannabis are absorbed differently, that you consume alcohol and cannabis together, depending on the order in which they are it is important to reduce your usual amount of consumed. both substances as much as possible. • A small amount of cannabis has an antiemetic educalcool.qc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ effect. Since it is not clear how this effect Alcohol-and-Cannabis.pdf manifests when alcohol is being consumed, it is

Wellington poster campaign aims to prevent sexual assault As the festive season gets under way, Wellington sexual assault police are running a campaign in bars and clubs offending and with stringent messaging about sexual consent, victimisation using the slogan: “Don’t guess the yes.” by encouraging The campaign is designed to educate partygoers people to about the effects alcohol can have on decision change their making and consent, and began after police noted attitude around an increase in sexual harm reports. sexual consent Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Ben Quinn said and alcohol consumption.” analysis found young women, aged 18 to 24, in the Posters featuring fictitious text message central city were more likely to be victims of sexual conversations will be displayed in the city’s bars harm, while men aged between 23 to 29 were and clubs. In one version, one friend advises the more likely to be perpetrators. It is also more likely other to leave a bunch of “wasted” women alone for those involved not to have known each other as that behaviour is “creepy”. The latter then agrees very long. He stated, “We need to prevent adult to come home. Budweiser launches encourages consumers to drink water between beers Budweiser is The new two-minute advert encourages viewers adding to its to “hydrate between Buds,” and features Anderson responsible becoming a hotshot basketball coach thanks drinking campaign to the powers of water. The new advert, part with a new spot of responsible drinking campaign called “Drink with actor Anthony Wiser,” was launched in November. The campaign Anderson and Los was produced with the National Basketball Players Angeles Lakers player Danny Green. Association and versions of the ad will broadcast Anheuser-Busch, which recently renewed its NBA on television during NBA games, online and in sponsorship, is pushing the message of “hydrating NBA arenas, Budweiser said. between Buds.” youtube.com/watch?v=chjL39ZViHo

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - SOCIAL AND POLICY NEWS 29 Alcohol health strategy in Australia On December 2, the federal teenagers and young adults, people with impaired government in Australia cognition, people diagnosed with or suspected unveiled a new national to have fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), strategy for alcohol (2019- People whose parents/guardians experience 2028). The strategy provides alcohol dependence, Adults in their 40s, 50s a framework to prevent and 60s, Older people (65+), GBTIQ and people and reduce alcohol-related from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) harm. It highlights possible backgrounds. actions at the local, state or The Strategy identifies four agreed national territory and national levels. priority areas of focus for preventing and reducing The strategy aims to prevent and minimise alcohol-related harms in Australia: alcohol-related harms among individuals, Improving community safety and amenity; families and communities by: 1) identifying -Working to better protect the health, safety and agreed national priority areas of focus and social wellbeing of those consuming alcohol and policy options; 2) promoting and facilitating those around them. collaboration, partnership and commitment from Managing availability, price and promotion;- thegovernment and non-government sectors; Reducing opportunities for availability, promotion and, 3)targeting a 10% reduction in harmful and pricing contributing to risky alcohol alcohol consumption both alcohol consumption consumption. at levels that puts individuals at risk of injury from a single occasion of drinking, at least monthly; and Supporting individuals to obtain help and alcohol consumption at levels that puts individuals systems to respond; -Facilitating access to at risk of disease or injury over a lifetime appropriate treatment, information and support services. This Strategy recognises that alcohol-related harms are not experienced uniformly across the Promoting healthier communities; population, with disproportionate levels of harm Improving the understanding and awareness of being experienced within some contexts and alcohol-related harms in the Australian community. communities. The Strategy identifies the following In releasing the strategy, the government priority population groups: Aboriginal and Torres also announced it would commission a report Strait Islander people, people in remote areas, to estimate the social costs of alcohol to the People with co-occuring mental health conditions, community. Pregnant women (or those planning a pregnancy), health.gov.au/resources/publications/national- alcohol-strategy-2019-2028 2018/19 New Zealand Health Survey Annual Data Explorer update The Annual Data Explorer provides a snapshot were more than twice as likely to be hazardous of the health of New Zealanders through the drinkers as women and Māori were 1.6 times publication of key indicators on health behaviours, as likely to be hazardous drinkers than non- health status and access to health care for both Māori. Although adults living in the most adults and children. The Annual Data Explorer socioeconomically deprived areas were less shows 2018/19 results from the continuous New likely to have consumed alcohol in the past Zealand Health Survey, with comparisons to earlier year as those living in the least deprived areas, surveys. The results show that in the past year they were 1.2 times as likely to be hazardous • 80.3% of adults had consumed alcohol. 60.1% drinkers as adults in the least deprived areas, of Asian and 61.2% of Pacific adults consumed after adjusting for age, gender and ethnicity. alcohol, but were much less likely to have drunk • 58.3% of those aged 15–17 years consumed alcohol than non-Asian and non-Pacific adults alcohol and 6.3% had engaged in hazardous respectively, after adjusting for age and gender drinking in the past year. differences. minhealthnz.shinyapps.io/nz-health-survey- • 20.0% of adults drank alcohol in a way that 2018-19-annual-data-explorer/ could harm themselves or others. Men

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - SOCIAL AND POLICY NEWS 30 Australia launches new drinking guidelines On 16th December, The new guidelines recommend that people under The National Health the age of 18 not drink at all, while women “who and Medical Research are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should not Council (NHMRC) drink alcohol”. For women who are breastfeeding, released newly “not drinking alcohol is safest for their baby”. revised guidelines on reducing health risks Drinking above this level increases this risk while from drinking alcohol. drinking less frequently and drinking less on each The draft guidelines occasion reduces this lifetime risk of alcohol- are open for public related harm,” the guidelines state. comment until 24 The updated NHMRC advice comes after three February 2020. years of research into the harms or benefits of According to the new guidelines adults should alcohol and its link to disease. Anne Kelso, the have “no more than 10 standard drinks per week” to NHMRC chief executive, said reduce the health risks from alcohol- that equates “We’re providing advice about the health risks to roughly 1.4 drinks a day and the maximum an from drinking alcohol so that we can all make adult should have on a single day is four standard informed decisions in our daily lives – for ourselves drinks. A standard drink in Australia contains 10g and for our children,” she said. of alcohol. “It’s 10 years since our last review of the guidelines The previous guidelines issued in 2009 guidelines and we now know more about the effects of stated that “no more than two standard drinks” alcohol. We know that alcohol continues to have on any day – or 14 a week – reduced the lifetime significant direct health consequences for many risk of harm from alcohol. But a review of evidence Australians.” showed the lifetime risk of dying from alcohol- online.nhmrc.gov.au/public-consultation/nhmrc- related disease or injury remained below 1 in 100 draft-revised-australian-guidelines-reduce- if alcohol consumption stayed below 10 per week. health-risks-drinking-alcohol American Craft Spirits Association Partners with TIPS to Promote Responsible Drinking Culture

The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) and Executive Officer, ACSA. Health Communications, Inc. (HCI) has announced “Partnering with TIPS a partnership to promote the responsible service provides our members with and sale of alcohol within the spirits industry. As an opportunity to build part of this partnership, ACSA will provide each a responsible culture by member with a complimentary eTIPS registration. offering the best training in Additionally, members will have access to exclusive the industry at an accessible cost.” discounts on the suite of TIPS products including In the US, HCI is a nationally recognised expert TIPS Train-the-Trainer workshops, classroom in the field of alcohol server training. Its flagship training materials, and the online course. As well programme, TIPS is a skills-based training program as promoting the responsible consumption of designed to prevent intoxication, underage spirits, TIPS will benefit most distillers by meeting drinking, and drunk driving. TIPS gives individuals regulatory compliance requirements, lowering the knowledge and confidence they need to insurance premiums, reducing their exposure to recognize potential alcohol-related problems and alcohol liability lawsuits, and improving overall intervene to prevent alcohol-related tragedies. customer service and satisfaction. HCI has certified more than 5 million servers “As craft spirits ambassadors, we want to ensure worldwide in the TIPS program. There are TIPS- consumers enjoy our members’ products certified people in all 50 states, the District of responsibly,” said Margie A.S. Lehrman, Chief Columbia and over 50 different countries.

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - MEDICAL /SOCIAL AND POLICY NEWS 31 Globalisation of drinking preferences ? The IAS November Alcohol Alert highlights a new dominated by wine to one which includes more piece of analysis by Colin Angus at the University beer and spirits. Similarly, Russia and China have of Sheffield, who demonstrates that countries’ moved from spirits towards to beer and wine. drinking preferences for individual countries have On his schema, yellow represents a higher share shifted dramatically over the past 50 years. from beer, light blue (cyan) a higher share from Angus took data from the World Health Organization’s spirits and pink (magenta) a higher share from Global Information System on Alcohol and Health, wine. which collates international statistics on alcohol twitter.com/VictimOfMaths/ consumption. He then colour-coded countries status/1192495008148074497 according to the proportion of their total alcohol consumption that comes from different drinks types. It is common to classify countries according to their preference for different beverage types. For example, Northern European countries, such as the UK and Germany are described as ‘beer drinking cultures’. Mediterranean countries such as France and Italy as ‘wine drinking cultures’ and Eastern European countries as ‘spirits drinking cultures’. However, according to Angus, globalisation may be , leading to an increasingly shared common drinking culture. Despite the shift in preferences, considerable differences remain between countries, both in terms of the level of alcohol consumption and the drinks they prefer. Angus found that drinks preferences changed between 1965 and 2015 with a shift away from the extremes of strongly preferring one drink over the others. For example, Italy and Argentina in 1965 move away from a drinking culture IARD focus on Public-Private Partnerships A report from the IARD states that partnership and and cultures describe the achievements of public collaboration are required to meet the ambition and private sectors joining forces on a shared of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as challenge. well as the goals of the WHO Global Action Plan for These include the Responsibility.org: Ask, Listen, the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Learn case study in the US; Alkohol Partnerskabet/ Diseases (NCDs). IARD and its Members are The Danish Alcohol Partnership case study, STOP! committed to playing our part to contribute to the Underage Drinking case study in Japan and The achievement of these goals. IARD drink driving project in Dominican Republic The report shares a series of case studies case study. demonstrating successful Public-Private iard.org/getattachment/fe598cae-a7c7-4db7- partnerships that address the harmful use of 8dbc-bf2c8881d397/focus-on-public-private- alcohol. The initiatives, from a variety of countries partnerships.pdf

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - SOCIAL AND POLICY NEWS 32 Protein bar cuts alcohol absorption Malta campaign for the festive by 50% season A new brand of protein bars has launched in the US Drinkawaremalta’s campaign for the 2019 festive that, according to a clinical trial run by the parent season is centred around hard-hitting messages company, claims to reduce the body’s alcohol aimed at prompting drinkers to stop and think absorption rate by 50%,. about the possible consequences and realities The Sobar is the “world’s first food specifically resulting from alcohol misuse. designed and clinically evaluated to reduce Ray Grech, Director General of The Sense Group alcohol absorption”, according to Zero Functional which runs the Drinkawaremalta campaign said Foods, which has launched the snack bar in the US. “This year’s campaign message is a call-to-action A clinical trial of the snack bar found that eating inviting everyone who intends to enjoy the coming a Sobar before consuming alcohol “significantly” weeks with alcohol to keep their minds focussed lowers levels of intoxication, and reduces the on what really makes this a happy festive season rate of alcohol absorption by 50% more than if – health, family and friends. Alcohol abuse can someone doesn’t eat anything at all. shatter one’s life and that of others in an instant”. The study, which was published in the Journal of “Besides urging caution, the campaign is also Medicinal Food, compared the SOBAR’s ability to encouraging people to keep an eye on family and reduce alcohol absorption against two other foods friends who might not realise their alcohol habits in a group of 21 healthy adults, 10 men and 11 could be an accident waiting to happen.” women. Each person was tested four times, eating TSG’s website Drinkawaremalta.com provides either no food, a 210 calorie SOBAR, 210 calories useful information on the effects of alcohol, tips of a popular snack mix, or a 635 calorie full meal and guidance for parents, and how one can enjoy right before consuming 2 drinks. alcohol without intoxication. The study showed that peak blood alcohol concentration measured over 90 minutes was reduced by 50% compared to those who ate no food, and by 25% compared with those who ate the popular snack mix. The reduction was even greater (68%) after eating the full meal.

Leading drinks producers and major digital platforms to implement safeguards to prevent minors seeing alcohol marketing online The IARD and it’s partners are working with safeguards that help ensure that all new alcohol- social platforms including Facebook, Instagram, related channels or campaigns are marketed Snapchat and YouTube to help limit underage responsibly online. This partnership will continue users’ exposure to content promoting alcohol. to work on emerging areas, including influencer The IARD and its partners which include beer, advertising.” wine and spirits brands Anheuser-Busch InBev, “Our partnership has already made great strides Asahi Group Holdings, Bacardi Ltd., Beam in responsible marketing, but our work is far from Suntory, Brown-Forman, Carlsberg Group, Diageo, finished. We invite and encourage other digital Heineken International, Kirin, Molson Coors platforms and producers to join us in raising Beverage, Pernod Ricard and William Grant & industry standards using our collective reach and Sons are taking steps to implement stronger age expertise to target harmful drinking in all its forms.” screening on online channels, via specific and The organization also expressed a desire to give platform-appropriate technology, to help prevent people of all ages greater control over whether alcohol marketing from reaching those under the they see alcohol-related marketing online, with legal age. the aim of respecting personal preferences and IARD said in a release, “In partnership, we continue cultural differences. to improve these protections and will roll out

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com AIM DIGEST DECEMBER 2019 - SOCIAL AND POLICY NEWS 33 Ability to metabolise alcohol may have ensured ape ancestor survival Scientists have suggested that the evolution of a such as gorillas and chimpanzees which can all capacity to metabolise alcohol may have saved metabolise alcohol – and of course to humans, the prehistoric ape from extinction. who have managed to hone the production of A new book, ‘Alcohol and Humans: A Long and alcohol into our wines, beers and spirits. Social Affair’ by two British researchers, Dr Kim And with that development has come an ever- Hockings, senior lecturer in conservation science evolving use of alcohol in human societies. at Exeter University and Dr Robin Dunbar, professor Dr Dunbar was quoted as saying: “Across cultures of evolutionary psychology at Oxford, suggests and in different time periods, it [alcohol] has that a common ancestor of humans and other consistently been a major part of the way humans great apes may have evolved to carry a protein socialise with each other. that helps to metabolise alcohol some 10 million “Increasingly, alcohol is viewed as a medical issue, years ago. but alcohol abuse is only a small part of a much The ability to consume extra calories and tolerate wider social pattern of alcohol use by humans.” the low levels of alcohol would have provided And this, argues Dr Hockings, is why looking at an extra edge when competing with other alcohol purely through one prism is a mistake. She species, especially monkey species, for food. Ape said: “One interesting point is that the alcohol level populations were declining at this time in the in fallen fruit is usually about 1-4% – something like face of competition from monkeys which could weak beer – yet much of the alcohol consumed by eat unripe fruit. Being able to eat overripe fruit humans today is far stronger than this. therefore, which monkeys cannot, was a crucial “As with other substances like salt and sugar, the equaliser. problem may not be the substance itself but the This taste, developing over millions of years, was concentrations we now have access to.” then passed down to our ape near-relations – IARD Trends report on drink driving deaths An IARD report brings together data on trends partnerships among private and public sectors in drink driving fatalities and showcases how and communities. partnerships among private and public sectors Despite declines in many areas, drink driving and communities, underpinned by appropriate remains a concern for many adults. New research regulation, can support reductions in drink driving. conducted by YouGov for IARD revealed that on The report analysed official data from 36 countries average 44% of 12,000 adults across nine countries across four continents and found that deaths believe that drink driving has increased in their from drink driving have declined in 34 out of 36 country over the last decade. countries worldwide where data is available. Henry Ashworth, CEO of the International Alliance Fatalities from drink driving have dropped by for Responsible Drinking, said more than half in 10 years across many European “Government regulation and enforcement are the countries and decreases of almost two-thirds were cornerstones for further reducing drink driving. recorded in several European nations, including These, alongside effective partnerships between the UK (-64%) and Germany (-62%), in the decade industry, the public sector, and civil society, are to 2016. Beyond Europe, a reduction in drink crucial to promoting awareness of the risks and driving fatalities was also seen in Japan (-77%), reinforcing the message that drink driving is Australia (-26%), the USA (-17%), and New Zealand socially unacceptable. (-7%). The International Alliance for Responsible On the other hand, increases were also identified Drinking (IARD) is highlighting that more needs to in countries including Serbia and the Czech be done to keep reducing drink driving, through Republic, demonstrating that further targeted partnerships that support government regulation, work is needed. as well as improving data collection ¬– particularly The IARD report also points out the lack of in developing countries – to give a fuller global robust data collection in many areas across the picture. world. It calls for greater efforts to monitor drink iard.org/science-resources/detail/ driving internationally, and for robust TrendsReportDrinkDriving2019

www.alcoholinmoderation.com www.drinkingandyou.com 34 AIM – Alcohol in Moderation was founded in 1991 as an independent not for profit organisation whose role is to communicate “The Responsible Drinking Message” and to summarise and log relevant research, legislation, policy and campaigns regarding alcohol, health, social and policy issues. AIM Mission Statement • To work internationally to disseminate accurate social, scientific and medical research concerning responsible and moderate drinking • To strive to ensure that alcohol is consumed responsibly and in moderation • To encourage informed and balanced debate on alcohol, health and social issues • To communicate and publicise relevant medical and scientific research in a clear and concise format, contributed to by AIM’s Council of 20 Professors and Specialists • To publish information via www.alcoholinmoderation.com on moderate drinking and health, social and policy issues – comprehensively indexed and fully searchable without charge • To educate consumers on responsible drinking and related health issues via www.drinkingandyou.com and publications, based on national government guidelines enabling consumers to make informed choices regarding drinking • To inform and educate those working in the beverage alcohol industry regarding the responsible production, marketing, sale and promotion of alcohol • To distribute AIM Digest Online without charge to policy makers, legislators and researchers involved in alcohol issues • To direct enquiries towards full, peer reviewed or referenced sources of information and statistics where possible • To work with organisations, charities, companies and associations to create programmes, materials and policies built around the responsible consumption of alcohol. AIM Social, Scientific And Medical Council Helena Conibear, Executive and Editorial Director, AIM- Professor JM Orgogozo, Professor of brain science, Alcohol in Moderation, UK Institut de Cerveau, University of Bordeaux, France Professor Alan Crozier, Research Associate, Department Stanton Peele PhD, Social Policy Consultant, US of Nutrition, UC Davis, US Prof Susan J van Rensburg MSc, PhD, Emeritus Professor R. Curtis Ellison, Chief, Emeritus, Section Associate Professor in the Division of Chemical of Preventive Medicine & Epidemiology; Professor of Pathology, Tygerberg Hospital, University of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, US Stellenbosch, South Africa Harvey Finkel MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine Arne Svilaas MD, PhD, Chief Consultant, Lipid Clinic, Oslo (oncology and haematology), Boston University School University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. of Medicine, US Dr Erik Skovenborg, Scandinavian Medical Alcohol Board Professor Adrian Furnham, Professor in Psychology and Creina S Stockley PhD, MBA, Principal, Stockley Health occupational psychology, University College London, UK and Regulatory Solutions; Adjunct Senior Lecturer, The Giovanni de Gaetano, MD, PhD, Head of the Department University of Adelaide of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Istituto Professor Pierre-Louis Teissedre, PhD, Faculty of Neurologico Mediterraneo NEUROMED, Pozzilli, Italy Oenology–ISVV, University Victor Segalen Bordeaux, Tedd Goldfinger FACC, FCCP, President, Desert Heart France Foundation, Tucson, University of Arizona, US Dag Thelle MD, PhD, Senior Professor of Cardiovascular Professor Dwight B. Heath, Anthropologist, Professor Epidemiology and Prevention, University of Gothenburg, Emeritus of Anthropology, Brown University, US Sweden; Senior Professor of Quantitative Medicine at the Professor OFW James, Emeritus Professor of Hepatology, University of Oslo, Norway Newcastle University, UK David P van Velden MD, Dept of Pathology, Stellenbosch Arthur Klatsky MD, adjunct investigator at the Kaiser University, Stellenbosch, South Africa Permanente Northern California Division of Research, US David Vauzour PhD, Senior Research Associate, Lynn Gretkowski MD, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Nutrition, Norwich Medical School, Faculty member Stanford University, US University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK Ellen Mack MD, Oncologist

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