Alcohol Alert Podcast

Why are young people drinking less? 🎵 podcast feature 🎵 On this month’s podcast we spoke to Professor John Holmes, University of Sheffield, and Amy Pennay, La Trobe University, about their new book: Young People, Alcohol, and Risk: A Culture of Caution [https://www.routledge.com/Young-People-Alcohol-and-Risk-A-Culture-of-Caution/Pennay-Caluzzi-Fenton-Holmes-Livingston-Raninen-Torronen/p/book/9781032542836?srsltid=AfmBOooFQNI3oEAVPi-RnNPvGT5pMPzLRyG-ajJ2Q0P4jbsfc5M6up7q]. We discussed the decline in young people's drinking; whether this is continuing into adulthood; factors influencing this decline; and a why this has to be understood as a much broader sociological issue of generational change. “It's about this idea that young people have a very different perspective on the world. This particular generation, that often gets called Gen Z, have a very particular perspective on the world that is quite different to those that have come before them.” – Professor John Holmes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit instalcstud.substack.com [https://instalcstud.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

In our latest podcast Dr Will Haydock, Executive Director of Collective Voice, sheds light on alcohol treatment services in England. Representing an alliance of charities supporting people with alcohol and other drug issues, Haydock emphasises that free treatment is available in every local area – yet awareness remains low. He discusses barriers like stigma and the misperception that support is costly or inaccessible. Haydock calls for a whole-system approach, integrating alcohol treatment into broader health and social care. “There can be almost more shame around having developed a problem with alcohol than with other drugs.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit instalcstud.substack.com [https://instalcstud.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

In our latest podcast, Dr Megan Cook of La Trobe University discusses alcohol’s overlooked environmental impact. Dr Cook explores how alcohol production exacerbates climate harms, from water scarcity to packaging waste, and highlights the industry's "greenwashing" through corporate social responsibility campaigns. She argues that: "If we reduce alcohol consumption for health reasons, that’s going to have climate benefits. And if we reduce consumption for climate reasons, that’s going to have health benefits too." We also discussed a recent report from the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) and Zero Carbon Forum, which looked at the risk of climate change to the UK’s beer production. In a news article publicising the report [https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2025/04/11/british-beer-at-risk-from-climate-change], it stated that: “Concern was also raised in the report that crops may be prioritised for food rather than brewing, which would risk livelihoods across the supply chain.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit instalcstud.substack.com [https://instalcstud.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

On this month’s podcast we spoke to Florence Berteletti and Anamaria Suciu, who work for the European Alcohol Policy Alliance, or Eurocare. We spoke about levels of alcohol harm in Europe, the crucial role the EU plays in shaping the alcohol policy landscape, and lessons we can learn from tobacco control about how to counter powerful lobbying by the alcohol industry. “Because even if we are David and Goliath... David wins, but we need a sling. The sling comes from our members, their collaboration and knowledge.” - Florence Berteletti This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit instalcstud.substack.com [https://instalcstud.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

On this month’s podcast we spoke to Tabbin Almond, alcohol-freedom coach and author of the recent book: ‘Bottling Up Trouble: How alcohol is harming your business... and what to do about it’. Tabbin shares insights from her work helping people change their relationship with alcohol. We discussed the pro-alcohol workplace culture, its impact on employees and businesses, and the need for structural change. We also delved into her new podcast, The Alcohol Debate. “We are pretty much the only country in the world where alcohol addiction is not a protected disability. Employers encourage drinking, then punish people when it becomes a problem. That needs to change.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit instalcstud.substack.com [https://instalcstud.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]