Skip to content

Category Archives: Guidance

Findings bulletins review NICE alcohol guidance and quality standards

The drug and alcohol Bank has reviewed NICE alcohol guidance and standards : UK clinical guidance on treating dependent drinkers Assessment by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) of what evaluation research means for alcohol dependence treatment in Britain, distinguished by comprehensive reviews of the literature; in some cases these expose the inadequacies of the evidence base. UK clinical guidance on treating acute alcohol withdrawal Clinical guidance developed for the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on the medical care of patients suffering acute alcohol withdrawal.

Re: Comments on the Institute of Medicine Report, "Scientific Standards for Studies on Modified Risk Tobacco Products" (PDF)

Altria Client Services Inc. (“ALCS”), on behalf of Philip Morris USA Inc.

Mayor announces London sobriety scheme for offenders will go ahead

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson and his Deputy Mayor for Crime and Policing, Kit Malthouse, have announced that London will pilot the first sobriety scheme for persistent alcohol-related offenders in the capital.

Identification of behaviour change techniques to reduce excessive alcohol consumption

Abstract Background: Interventions to reduce excessive alcohol consumption have a small but important effect but a better understanding of their active ingredients’ is needed. Aims: This study aimed to (i) develop a reliable taxonomy of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) used in interventions to reduce excessive alcohol consumption (not to treat alcohol dependence), and (ii) to assess whether use of specific BCTs in brief interventions might be associated with improved effectiveness. Methods: A selection of guidance documents and treatment manuals, identified via expert consultation, were analysed into BCTs by two coders

New Guidance for Mental Health Liaison services highlights role of alcohol in mental health problems

The Royal College of Psychiatrists has released guidance for Commissioners of Mental Health Liaison Services in Acute Care.

‘Don’t let drink sneak up on you’ – new Change4Life alcohol campaign launched

A new Change 4 Life alcohol campaign, 'Don't let the drinks sneak up on you', has been launched – see the press release , TV advert and Change4Life alcohol pages including a new tool to check your drinking . The campaign warns against drinking above lower risk guidelines , highlighting the potential impacts on long term health.

‘Tackling alcohol misuse: Should abstinence be our preferred approach?’ British Liver Trust call for public health action on alcohol

The British Liver Trust have released a new report outlining the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling alcohol misuse. It warns against a “one size fits all approach for treatment” for a range of problem drinkers “each of whom will need tailored approach with the interventions and appropriate treatment goals.” Download 'Reducing alcohol harm: recovery and informed choice for those with alcohol related health problems' A supporting commentary piece by Andrew Langford , Chief Executive of the British Liver Trust also appeared in the Guardian .

Public Health Outcomes Framework released: spend should reflect local needs; alcohol admissions data to be reviewed

The NHS Public Health Outcomes Framework has been published, aiming to tackle public health challenges through moving public health back into local government.

Scientists gleam further insight into alcohol’s effect on brain reward system

Further insight into the effect of alcohol on the brain's reward system has been reported in the journal of Science Translational Medicine. It found alcohol effects the orbitofrontal cortex and results in a release of endorphins, previously only proven in animal studies.

MPs call for alcohol guidelines to be reviewed – and emphasise ‘alcohol free days’

MPs on the Science and Technology Committee have called for greater efforts to help the public understand alcohol guidelines . It also calls for a further scientific review to build public confidence, although based on the evidence presented the guidelines should not be relaxed. See here for the report chapters or the full report here