In this episode, I talk to Dr Katherine Severi, Chief Executive of the Institute for Alcohol Studies (IAS), about the importance of alcohol policy. We discuss the evidence, barriers, and debates around alcohol policy and why England is still yet to introduce measures such as minimum unit pricing. We also discuss the recent IAS report on parliamentary alcohol use.

Dr. Katherine Severi is the Chief Executive of the Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS), an independent charity dedicated to advancing evidence-based policy to reduce alcohol harm. Before joining IAS, Katherine gained valuable experience in the UK Civil Service and the charity sector.

She holds a Doctorate in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and a Master’s in Global Health and Public Policy from the University of Edinburgh. Her primary research focuses on the influence of corporations and managing conflicts of interest in public health policy.

Reports and links:

Bhattacharya, A., Angus, C., Pryce, R., Holmes, J., Brennan, A., & Meier, P. S. (2018). How dependent is the alcohol industry on heavy drinking in England? Addiction, 113(12), 2225–2232.

IAS blog: Two thirds of alcohol sales are to heavy drinkers

Under the influence? Perspectives of alcohol in the parliamentary workplace among UK MPs and staff

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In this episode, I speak with Chris Barnes about his experience of alcohol use during his time in the British Army and his journey from problematic use to recovery. Chris now works as a researcher at Liverpool John Moores University, while also serving as an Ambassador for Heroic Hearts UK. He is currently completing a Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology, bringing both lived and professional expertise to his work.

In addition to exploring Chris' experience of alcohol use and recovery, we discuss issues including drinking culture in the armed forces, the relationship between alcohol use, mental health and other factors that influence alcohol use and problems.

Show notes/resources:

Recent report led by Dr Laura Goodwin on improving support for former personnel with mental health and alcohol use disorders:

https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/news/how-to-improve-treatment-for-former-service-personnel-with-both-mental-health-and-alcohol-use-disorders-1

What are the consequences of deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan on the mental health of the UK armed forces? A cohort study

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(10)60672-1/fulltext

Military service and alcohol use: a systematic narrative review:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/09540261.2010.550868

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If you are interested in one-to-one support for your drinking with Dr James Morris, contact him at DrJamesMorris.com

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For more episodes visit https://alcoholpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

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In this episode, we discuss how addiction affects families, the challenges of supporting a loved one, and practical, evidence-based approaches to conversations with others who may be experiencing addiction problems.

Richard Velleman is Emeritus Professor of Mental Health Research at the University of Bath, Co-Director of the Addictions and Related Research Group at Sangath (India), and a founder of the Addiction and the Family International Network (AFINet). A clinical and academic psychologist, he is internationally recognised for his work on addiction, family members affected by addiction, and psychological interventions. He co-developed the influential Stress-Strain-Information-Coping-Support (SSICS) model and 5-Step Method, which are used worldwide to support families affected by addiction. His current work focuses on improving access to mental health care through community-based and digital interventions in the UK, India, and internationally.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• AFINet (Addiction and the Family International Network) – Research, resources and support for people affected by a loved one's addiction: https://afinetwork.info/
• AFINet 5-Step Method – Evidence-based approach to supporting affected family members: https://afinetwork.info/the-5-step-method-resource-hub/
• Adfam (UK) – Information and support for families affected by drugs, alcohol and gambling: https://adfam.org.uk/

Peer support

• Al-Anon – Support for families and friends of people with alcohol problems: https://al-anon.org/
• Alateen – Support for young people affected by someone else's drinking: https://al-anon.org/for-members/group-resources/alateen/
• Nar-Anon – Support for families and friends of people who use drugs: https://nar-anon.org/
• Families Anonymous – Support for families affected by addiction and related behaviours: https://familiesanonymous.org/

Other evidence-based support

• Alternatives – Support groups and practical help for families and friends: https://www.alternat-i-ves.org/
• SMART Recovery Family & Friends – Evidence-based support programmes (country-specific):
  • Australia: https://smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au/family-friends-program
  • UK: https://smartrecovery.org.uk/smart_family__friends/
  • USA: https://smartrecovery.org/family
  • Canada: https://smartrecovery-canada.ca/programs
• Invitation to Change – Compassionate, evidence-based approach for helping someone with substance use problems: https://cmcffc.org/approach/invitation-to-change

Support the show

If you are interested in one-to-one support for your drinking with Dr James Morris, contact him at DrJamesMorris.com

Sign up to receive new episodes to your inbox here.

For more episodes visit https://alcoholpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

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