Alcohol News - 33/2026

Forte (Sweden) - See the family member too – not just the person with a substance use probleem
Adult family members of people with harmful substance use need access to nuanced support that also addresses their own well-being. Better coordination and clearer division of responsibilities are also needed among social workers, family support counsellors, and alcohol and addiction therapists. This is shown in new research on social work services that provide support to family members.
https://forte.se/en/news/news/2026-08-19-see-the-family-member-too---not-just-the-person-with-a-substance-use-problem

Gallup News (USA) - Americans' Drinking Remains at Record Low
The share of Americans who say they drink alcohol remains at a record-low 54% for the second consecutive year, the lowest reading in Gallup’s trend dating back to 1939.
https://news.gallup.com/poll/713534/americans-drinking-remains-record-low.aspx

STAT (USA) - American Cancer Society cancels alcohol industry fundraiser
The American Cancer Society quietly canceled its upcoming Wine and Spirits Industry’s Gala, a spokesperson confirmed to STAT. The event, which has for decades raised money from members of the alcohol industry at a boozy Manhattan gathering, was set to take place in October at the iconic Rainbow Room.
https://www.statnews.com/2026/08/19/cancer-society-cancels-alcohol-industry-gala-fundraiser-deadliest-drug-series/

ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Australia) - Face of risky drinking 'quietly changing' in Australia
Increasing numbers of midlife women are turning to alcohol to soothe the negative effects of perimenopause but it might be worsening their symptoms.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-15/risky-drinking-perimenopause/107041914

The Medical University of South Carolina (USA) - You may have seen reports about drinking decline. Here’s what an expert wants you to know
But, he added: “Alcohol is still one of the leading preventable causes of death in the U.S. More people die every year from alcohol-related causes than any other substance use. More than opiate overdose. A lot of people don't realize that. It's quite pervasive.”
https://www.musc.edu/content-hub/News/2026/08/20/you-may-have-seen-reports-about-drinking-decline-heres-what-an-expert-wants-you-to-know

The Independent - Why I think it’s time to ban alcohol on flights
As incidents of air rage soar, one common factor keeps cropping up: alcohol. Global Travel Editor Annabel Grossman explains why she thinks it’s time to ground the in-flight drinks trolley in the latest Travel Insider newsletter.
https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/alcohol-ban-flights-air-rage-passengers-b3033019.html

Country News (Australia) - Booze delivery restricted under domestic violence plan
New laws restricting online alcohol delivery are among imminent measures following a landmark Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence.
https://www.countrynews.com.au/national/booze-delivery-restricted-under-domestic-violence-plan/

University of Rhode Island - URI nursing study seeks health practitioner perspectiveson alcohol, breast cancer association
While the relationship between alcohol use and cancer—specifically breast cancer—is well-established, evolving research and fluctuations in official recommendations can make it difficult to fully understand the level of risk alcohol poses, not just for patients but also for providers.
https://www.uri.edu/news/2026/08/uri-nursing-study-seeks-health-practitioner-perspectiveson-alcohol-breast-cancer-association/

Society for the Study of Addiction - Will mandatory alcohol labels make a difference?
With the UK Government’s ten-year health plan promising new alcohol labelling standards, Fiona Hughes examines the current system and whether clearer labels could help reduce alcohol-related harm.
https://www.addiction-ssa.org/features/essay/will-mandatory-alcohol-labels-make-a-difference/

The Korea Times (South Korea) - Drinking trend shift: Why more young Koreans are avoiding company dinners
The culture of pressuring people to drink alcohol at company gatherings and social events is gradually disappearing. Yet in some workplaces and social groups, the practice still persists. Younger Koreans are drinking less than previous generations, and the traditional pattern of moving from soju at a first-round dinner to draft beer at a second round is also becoming less common.
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20260821/drinking-trend-shift-why-more-young-koreans-are-avoiding-company-dinners

NordAN (Norway) - Seven of nine Norwegian youth parties keep summer camps alcohol-free as FpU reviews its rules
Norway’s Progress Party Youth (FpU) has announced that it will review its alcohol rules following criticism of drinking at its summer camp, where around three in ten participants were under the age of 18.
https://www.nordicalcohol.org/post/seven-of-nine-norwegian-youth-parties-keep-summer-camps-alcohol-free-as-fpu-reviews-its-rules

NordAN (Denmark) - Nearly four in ten young danes have gone swimming under the influence of alcohol or drugs
A swim can seem like the perfect way to end a warm summer day. But for a significant number of people, swimming takes place after drinking alcohol or using other substances. A new Danish survey commissioned by insurance company Gjensidige suggests that this is particularly common among young adults.
https://www.nordicalcohol.org/post/nearly-four-in-ten-young-danes-have-gone-swimming-under-the-influence-of-alcohol-or-drugs

Alcohol and Cancer (Ireland) - Study finds early signs of impact as alcohol health warnings begin appearing on products in Ireland
New research on alcohol warning labels in Ireland finds that alcohol health warning labels may help inform consumers about alcohol-related health risks, even before the labels become legally mandatory.
https://www.alcoholandcancer.eu/post/study-finds-early-signs-of-impact-as-alcohol-health-warnings-begin-appearing-on-products-in-ireland

Alcohol News - 32/2026

Medscape (Canada) - Canada’s Alcohol Consumption Guidance: A Roundtable Discussion
Canada’s new alcohol‑risk guidance is explained by Erik Greb, Dr. Peter Butt, and Dr. Jürgen Rehm, who outline the evidence behind the “less is better” message, the cultural and political resistance it has faced, and how clinicians can help patients reduce consumption.
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/canadas-alcohol-consumption-guidance-roundtable-discussion-2026a1000qq4?src=&form=fpf

NL Times (Netherlands) - Nearly half of Dutch say one daily drink is fine despite warning even one is harmful
The Health Council of the Netherlands warned earlier this summer that alcohol is more harmful than earlier advice indicated, stating that even one glass a day poses health risks. Research by the RTL panel shows the new guidance has not yet gained broad acceptance.
https://nltimes.nl/2026/08/13/nearly-half-dutch-say-one-daily-drink-fine-despite-warning-even-one-harmful

Georgia Today (Georgia) - Georgia plans alcohol interlock systems to prevent drunk driving
The Georgian government plans to introduce alcohol interlock devices in vehicles as part of efforts to prevent drunk driving, reports Business Press News (BPN).
https://georgiatoday.ge/georgia-plans-alcohol-interlock-systems-to-prevent-drunk-driving/

Biometric Update (UK) - UK police deploy ITL age estimation devices to help retailers meet alcohol rules
While there are lingering questions about the UK government’s update to the Mandatory Licensing Conditions, allowing for the use of digital ID to prove age when buying alcohol, providers are coming to the table prepared.
https://www.biometricupdate.com/202608/uk-police-deploy-itl-age-estimation-devices-to-help-retailers-meet-alcohol-rules

Medscape (Australia) - Cognitive Bias Modification App Fosters Alcohol Avoidance
Australian researchers have developed a smartphone app that could not only help people recovering from alcohol use disorder to avoid relapsing but also support those who engage in harmful drinking to reduce or avoid alcohol consumption altogether.
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/cognitive-bias-modification-app-fosters-alcohol-avoidance-2026a1000rbb?form=fpf

Le Monde.fr (Germany) - Germany to scrap 'accompanied drinking' for 14 and 15-year-olds
A legal provision allowed 14 and 15-year-olds to purchase and consume alcohol with their parents. The government said its abolition would 'protect young people from the considerable health and social effects of alcohol consumption.'
https://www.lemonde.fr/en/germany/article/2026/08/12/germany-to-scrap-accompanied-drinking-for-14-and-15-year-olds_6756433_146.html

Stockholm University (Sweden) - Alcohol Can Both Support and Undermine Young People's Well-being
Young Swedes describe alcohol and cannabis as offering short‑lived boosts in confidence, sociability and relief, but these upsides are tightly intertwined with anxiety, shame and life‑disrupting consequences, with Jukka Törrönen’s team showing that young people continually adjust their use as social contexts and personal circumstances shift.
https://www.su.se/english/divisions/department-of-public-health-sciences/news/articles/2026-08-13-alcohol-can-both-support-and-undermine-young-peoples-well-being

The Connexion (France) - Alcoholism causes over 40,000 deaths a year in France
France still sees around 41,000 alcohol‑related deaths and over 307,000 hospitalisations each year, driven by a cultural pattern of daily drinking that leaves more than one in five adults regularly exceeding health‑service guidelines.
https://www.connexionfrance.com/practical/alcoholism-causes-over-40000-deaths-a-year-in-france/798403

Vanguard News (Nigeria) - Alcohol: Nigerian children caught in deadly trap
At the age when most children are still learning how to spell their names, count money and tell the difference between right and wrong, nine-year-old Ade already knows the taste of alcohol. He does not hide it. Neither does he consider it unusual.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/08/alcohol-nigerian-children-caught-in-deadly-trap/

New York Post (USA) - Almost half of NYC homeless deaths tied to drug overdoses or alcohol abuse: study
Almost half of the deaths of New York City’s homeless population were tied to drugs and alcohol, an eye-opening new report found.
https://nypost.com/2026/08/10/us-news/almost-half-of-nyc-homeless-deaths-tied-to-drug-overdoses-or-alcohol-abuse-study/

IOL (South Africa) - The True Cost of Alcohol: Advocacy and Action by Nomcebo Dlamini
For Nomcebo Dlamini, advocacy goes beyond raising awareness to influencing the policies and systems that can protect communities from harm.
https://iol.co.za/capetimes/2026-08-11-the-true-cost-of-alcohol-advocacy-and-action-by-nomcebo-dlamini/

SHAAP (Scotland) - Community Alcohol Partnerships: growing prominence and concerns about industry funding
Over the past few years, Community Alcohol Partnerships (or CAP) have become an increasingly prominent feature of alcohol harm reduction discussions in the UK. More than 350 local CAP schemes have now been established across the UK, with numbers growing rapidly in Scotland.
https://www.shaap.org.uk/community-alcohol-partnerships-growing-prominence-and-concerns-about-industry-funding/

Alcohol and Drug Foundation (Australia) - Minimum unit pricing: what’s all the fuss about?
In early 2025, the Northern Territory (NT) removed minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol. Why did it cause so much debate? And why does alcohol policy remain such a contested issue?
https://adf.org.au/insights/minimum-unit-pricing/

O´Neill Institute - A Public Health Approach: Using Alcohol Regulation Strategies to Reduce Online Sports Betting Harms in Higher Education
Online sports betting has expanded rapidly across higher education institutions, creating a fast‑growing public health challenge associated with sports culture, peer influence, and 24/7 mobile access.
https://oneill.law.georgetown.edu/a-public-health-approach-using-alcohol-regulation-strategies-to-reduce-online-sports-betting-harms-in-higher-education/

NordAN (Sweden) - New survey: Summer drinkers are the most eager to return to everyday routines
A new Swedish survey finds that alcohol plays a significant role in many people’s summer routines, particularly among frequent drinkers.
https://www.nordicalcohol.org/post/new-survey-summer-drinkers-are-the-most-eager-to-return-to-everyday-routines

Alcohol Awareness (Denmark) - Danish Cancer Society Brings Alcohol Education into the Classroom
“Just a couple of beers for the school trip, Mr Mortensen!” That tongue-in-cheek line is used by the Danish Cancer Society, Kræftens Bekæmpelse, to highlight how much attitudes towards young people and alcohol have changed over time. Its school initiative reminds teachers and parents that while some practices from the past now seem unthinkable, there is still a need to strengthen young people’s knowledge about alcohol and its consequences.
https://alcoholcampaign.org/2026/08/14/danish-cancer-society-brings-alcohol-education-into-the-classroom/

Alcohol Awareness (Poland) - When the words ‘Cheers!’ hurt
SOS Children’s Villages Poland has launched a new campaign, “Kiedy słowa ‘na zdrowie!’ ranią” (“When the words ‘Cheers!’ hurt”), calling attention to the impact of alcohol on children and family life.
https://alcoholcampaign.org/2026/08/12/when-the-words-cheers-hurt/

Alcohol News - 31/2026

NordAN (Sweden) - Crayfish parties are approaching, ban post-accident drinking
Public holidays and celebrations unfortunately often lead to an increase in drink-driving. It is important to maintain respect for drink-driving laws and update them to close unusual legal loopholes.
https://www.nordicalcohol.org/post/crayfish-parties-are-approaching-ban-post-accident-drinking

Time Magazine - The Case Against Using Alcohol and Cannabis to Sleep
A substantial number of Americans turn to cannabis and alcohol to help them fall asleep. Indeed, there are estimates that nearly one in 10 Americans regularly use cannabis for sleep, and many adults report using alcohol in this way. Sadly, these rates are higher for young adults.
https://time.com/article/2026/07/31/the-case-against-using-alcohol-and-cannabis-to-sleep/

MedUni Wien - Dementia prevention: Study on vitamin B1 in alcohol dependence included in new WHO guidelines
A study conducted at the Medical University of Vienna on the effects of vitamin B1 (thiamine) on memory performance in people with alcohol dependence has been included in the latest World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia.
https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/en/about-us/news/2026/news-in-august-2026/dementia-prevention-study-on-vitamin-b1-in-alcohol-dependence-included-in-new-who-guidelines/

Prague Daily News (Czech Republic) - Significantly More Alcohol Offences Involving Bicycles and E-Scooters in the Czech Republic
Police in the Czech Republic are increasingly catching cyclists and e-scooter riders under the influence of alcohol. Since the beginning of June, the number of recorded offences has been significantly higher than last year.
https://www.praguedaily.news/2026/08/07/significantly-more-alcohol-offences-involving-bicycles-and-e-scooters-in-the-czech-republic/

SAMHSA (USA) - Report to Congress on the Prevention and Reduction of Underage Drinking 2025
The annual report to Congress (Chapters 1–4) includes a description of federal programs to address underage drinking; the extent of progress in preventing and reducing underage drinking; surveillance data on underage drinking initiation, prevalence, consumption patterns, and underage access to alcohol; and related information.
https://library.samhsa.gov/product/report-congress-prevention-reduction-underage-drinking-2025/pep26-03-001

Medical Daily - Poison Center Warns That Caffeine Hides How Drunk Someone Is Without Lowering Their Blood Alcohol
Mixing caffeine with alcohol does not make anyone less drunk. It makes them less able to tell. The New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School issued that warning ahead of the fall semester, and the timing is deliberate.
https://www.medicaldaily.com/caffeine-alcohol-masks-intoxication-poisoning-risk-warning-476951

CBC (Canada) - P.E.I. is looking at major changes to alcohol rules for the first time in decades
Prince Edward Island is asking residents and businesses how it should modernize the way alcohol is sold and regulated, as the province reviews liquor laws that are decades old.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-survey-modernize-liquor-control-act-9.7291889

IAS - Alcohol harm is not inevitable. But reducing it requires us to act differently
Alcohol is woven into life across Greater Manchester. It is part of our economy, our high streets and our social lives, tied to how we relax, socialise and celebrate. As we’ve seen again during this summer’s World Cup, alcohol is often presented as part of the occasion.
https://www.ias.org.uk/2026/08/04/alcohol-harm-is-not-inevitable-but-reducing-it-requires-us-to-act-differently/

IAS (UK) - Westminster’s drinking culture is putting staff wellbeing at risk, first-of-its-kind study finds
New research finds MPs and staff report being offered wine at breakfast meetings and struggling to find a soft drink at some events, as one in ten say they’ve been harmed by a colleague’s drinking – prompting calls for a formal parliamentary policy on alcohol.
https://www.ias.org.uk/news/westminsters-drinking-culture-is-putting-staff-wellbeing-at-risk-first-of-its-kind-study-finds/

WCRF - It’s time to show alcohol and junk food sponsorships the red card
As someone who has been enjoying this year's packed sporting calendar, Melissa Dando, Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer, explores how the promotion of health-harming products has come to dominate major sporting events, and what can be done to reclaim sport from industry influence.
https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/news-and-blogs/its-time-to-show-alcohol-and-junk-food-sponsorships-the-red-card/

University of Sheffield (UK) - Can Andy Burnham save Britain's pubs?
The Great British pub plays a key role in many people's concept of our national identity. Pubs, however, are facing an existential threat, with the number in the UK having fallen by a fifth between 2009 and 2022, and stories of pub closures a regular feature in local and national news.
https://sarg-sheffield.ac.uk/blog/can-andy-burnham-save-britains-pubs/

Cape York Weekly (Australia) - Child safety 'catastrophe' amid shocking rates of alcohol-fuelled violence
Indigenous thinktank the Cape York Institute says more needs to be done to address horrific rates of alcohol-fuelled violence on the peninsula and has called on the State Government to do more to enforce parental duties in response to the damning Child Safety Commission of Inquiry.
https://capeyorkweekly.com.au/child-safety-catastrophe-amid-shocking-rates-of-alcohol-fuelled-violence/25957/

NordAN (Denmark) - Cycling while intoxicated: More Danes are taking the risk
Nearly one in five Danes has ridden a bicycle, e-bike, electric scooter or similar vehicle while under the influence during the past three years, according to a new YouGov survey.
https://www.nordicalcohol.org/post/cycling-while-intoxicated-more-danes-are-taking-the-risk