Alcohol News - 5/2025

IAS Blog - It’s just a matter of time: drone-delivered alcohol in your neighbourhood
Primary drivers of alcohol use are availability, affordability, and convenience. Drone delivery of alcohol ticks all three of these boxes. Drones can bypass traffic congestion, reduce costs by eradicating the need for a driver, and provide fast access to alcohol at the click of a button.
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Euro Weekly News (Belgium) - 1.5 million Belgians to say “goodbye dry January, and hello sober February!”
With dry January nearly behind us, and many countries such as Germany trying their utmost to keep up with the alcohol-free campaign for the month, Belgium is set to launch a campaign encouraging citizens to ditch the booze for another month, in their Tournee Minerale challenge.
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The Conversation - Is no amount of alcohol safe? Understanding risks and public health guidelines
The United States surgeon general recently called for a warning of cancer risk on alcohol labels. And I agree. But the discourse that has come out in the media, by health professionals and health influencers, has been alarmist and a disservice to informing the public on the real cancer risks associated with alcohol.
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University of Sheffield (UK) - Alcohol app saves lives, reduces harm and could save the NHS millions, new study shows
The ‘Drink Less’ app can be a powerful tool in reducing alcohol consumption and improving public health, a new study has shown.
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PsyPost - Alcohol’s impact on pain and aggression: New research uncovers a critical link
A recent study sheds light on the connection between alcohol consumption, pain tolerance, and aggression, suggesting that alcohol’s ability to numb physical pain may play a significant role in why intoxicated individuals are more prone to aggressive behavior.
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VRT (Belgium) - Over 10 deaths a day are linked to alcohol
More than 3 per cent of all deaths in Belgium are linked to alcohol a study from health institute Sciensano confirms. The most recent figures show that in 2021, 4,000 deaths were linked to alcohol, more than 10 per day.
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tovima.com (Greece) - Mitsotakis Leads Cabinet on Tougher Alcohol, Tobacco Rules for Minors
According to the bill under discussion the provision of alcohol to minors is re-criminalized as a misdemeanor rather than merely an administrative offense.
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Alcohol Change (UK) - More than half of UK drinkers have tried to manage their drinking – the top methods revealed
As the 2025 Dry January® challenge reaches the halfway mark, research from Alcohol Change UK, the charity behind the 31-day break from booze, has found that more than half* (54%) of UK drinkers have tried at least one method to manage their drinking in the past.
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Movendi International - Countries Fail To Utilize Alcohol Policy In United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks
Together with Scott Chiossi and Nick Banatvala of the UN Interagency Task Force on NCDs we’re telling a story that will change how you view the role and potential of alcohol policy for promoting development.
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FAO (Canada) - The Financial Impact of Expanding the Beverage Alcohol Marketplace in Ontario
The FAO estimates that the Province’s decision to expand the beverage alcohol marketplace in Ontario, including the decision to accelerate that expansion to begin in 2024, will result in a net cost to the Province of $1.4 billion to December 31, 2030.
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NordAN (Norway) - 1 in 5 men in Norway have driven under the influence
"These numbers are alarmingly high. Just think about how many impaired drivers you've encountered on the roads! Every day, 30 people are reported for this offense – and that’s just among those who get caught." This is what Roger Ytre-Hauge, motor expert at Frende Insurance, says about the findings of a survey conducted by Norstat for the insurance company.
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NordAN (Finland) - Young people find low-threshold support for substance abuse – the future of the helpline is under threat
An increasing number of callers to the substance abuse helpline of Ehkäisevä päihdetyö EHYT ry are young adults. In 2024, nearly one-fifth (19%) of those seeking help through the service were aged 18–29, compared to just 12% in 2021.
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Alcohol News - 4/2025

NordAN (Denmark) - Only one in five Danes knows that even small amounts of alcohol increase the risk of cancer
It’s not just heavy drinkers who are at risk of alcohol-related illnesses, warns the Danish Cancer Society (Kræftens Bekæmpelse). Alcohol can be harmful to health in large quantities—a fact that likely won’t surprise most people. However, few Danes associate alcohol with cancer, and most are unaware that even a small amount of alcohol can increase the risk of developing the disease.
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The Conversation - Alcohol may help you fall asleep faster, but it leads to a worse night’s rest overall – here’s why
Alcohol is often used as a sleep aid – with some people crediting a “nightcap” with helping them fall asleep more easily. But while it might be nice to unwind after a long day with a glass of wine or a beer, alcohol may not be as beneficial for sleep as some think. In fact, it may actually lead to a worse night’s sleep overall.
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CEPR (Spain) - Raising legal drinking ages: An opportunity to improve European educational outcomes
Teenage drinking remains widespread in Europe. To address concerns about its negative effects on health and cognition, many European countries have raised their minimum legal drinking age from 16 to 18 in recent decades.
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American University - Dry January and a Changing Relationship with Alcohol
JR Denson, alcohol and other drugs prevention specialist at the Center for Well-Being, explains why more people are starting the year sober and offers tips for powering through the rest of the month.
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NL Times (Netherlands) - More flight crew members caught under the influence of alcohol last year
Last year, the police caught ten cabin crew members and one pilot with too much alcohol in their system at Schiphol Airport - the highest number since the police started keeping track in 2012. All 11 of them faced hefty fines. The police did not disclose nationalities or the airlines involved, RTL Nieuws reports.
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Yale Daily News - Unmasking alcohol: Yale experts debate alcohol’s cancer risk and labeling implications
In 2020, the American Cancer Society highlighted alcohol as the third leading preventable cause of cancer. According to U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy MED ’03 SOM ’03, more than half of Americans aren’t aware of the cancer risk that alcohol presents to society, drawing concern given the drink’s protagonism in celebrations, social traditions and marketing campaigns.
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Monash University (Australia) - Investigating trends in alcohol and other drugs in injured and fatal road crashes over a decade: study
Published in the journal Injury Prevention, the largest study of its kind conducted in Australia examined substances present in 19,843 injured drivers and 1,596 fatally injured drivers and found methylamphetamine had the highest prevalence, found in 12.3 per cent of fatalities and 9.1 per cent of injured drivers, demonstrating an increase over time.
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University of Wisconsin–Madison - Communities that experience mass shootings drink more alcohol in the aftermath, a new study finds
Public mass shootings in the United States increase alcohol sales in the affected communities for years afterward, according to new research from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
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Fresh Balance (UK) - “Alcohol is everywhere”. The public has its say.
A striking 82% of people in our region believe alcohol is a significant problem both regionally and nationally, according to a Balance survey. And one in five (22%) reported a negative impact from alcohol on their life in the past year alone, stemming from either their own drinking or someone else’s.
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IAS Blog - Latest Welsh research shows minimum pricing remains a cornerstone of alcohol harm reduction
Almost five years after minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol was introduced in Wales, the final evaluation report on the measure demonstrates why it is needed as much as ever.
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IAS Blog - Do alcohol ‘sobriety tags’ reduce reoffending?
Alcohol monitoring tags – or ‘transdermal alcohol monitoring devices’ – were rolled out in 2020 and have been used for people serving criminal sentences in the community whose drinking contributed to their offending and therefore subject to an alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement for up to 120 days.
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NordAN (Iceland) - Health and prevention organizations in Iceland believe the State can save billions by preventing private alcohol sales
Let us be fiscally responsible in public operations – savings recommendations from a broad coalition of health professionals, prevention organizations, and others in the consultation portal on January 21, 2025.
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NordAN (Finland) - THL published scenarios on the impacts of smoking and alcohol use on public health over the next decade
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has examined the development of diseases related to smoking and alcohol consumption under different scenarios. The findings indicate that reducing smoking and alcohol use can significantly improve the health of Finns.
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FASD News - 3/2025

Clare FM (Ireland) - Council To Call For FASD To Be Officially Recognised As Disability
Clare County Council is set to write to the Government to request that Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is officially recognised as a disability.
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MotherToBaby (USA) - MotherToBaby Launches Pregnancy Interactive Tool, FASD Podcast Series, Webinar to Highlight Birth Defects Awareness Month
With 1 in 33 U.S. babies affected by birth defects each year, MotherToBaby, in partnership with the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN), is kicking off National Birth Defects Awareness Month by unveiling a new digital pregnancy tool as well as a special podcast series that offers listeners continuing education credits.
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Boston University - Podcast Proves Effective in Educating on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
New research indicates that tuning into an educational podcast prepares healthcare providers to better screen and educate their patients on the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy.
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CPD Online College (UK) - Case Study: Personal Stories of Living with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
t’s estimated that 3.2% of babies born in the UK are affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. A University of Salford study found that 1.8–3.6% of children assessed may have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), which could mean that 1.2–2.4 million people in the UK may have had FASD in 2020.
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FASD United (USA) - FASD United on Government Advisory on Alcohol and Cancer Risk and Proposed Updates to Alcohol Warning Label
FASD United is encouraged by the U.S. Surgeon General’s continued efforts to address the public health impacts of alcohol, culminating in a much-publicized new advisory on alcohol’s links to various forms of cancer.
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FASD United - FASD United Recognizes January as National Birth Defects Awareness Month and Partners on Podcast Series
As we welcome the start of 2025, FASD United recognizes National Birth Defects Awareness Month as an opportunity to support and empower the FASD community, build connections within the larger disability community, and rethink how we see and talk about people with FASD, disabilities, and birth defects.
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VIDEOS and MATERIALS
FASD Awareness - Ask The Expert" with Maggie May - FASD Webinar #32
In this month's webinar, host Andrew Keeping will be taking your questions for the award-winning Maggie May. Maggie May is a young woman with FASD who has become one of the world's leading advocates for FASD.
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FASD United (formerly NOFAS) - Glimpses of FASD - Meet Carl
FASD United is excited to launch “Glimpses of FASD,” an exciting new short video initiative featuring individuals living with FASD sharing their own stories in their own words. The videos are a great way for people to learn more about FASDs and what it’s like to live with them in just a few minutes.
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Health Nexus Santé - Creating a Circle of Care for Your Loved One with FASD (Part 3 of the Lifetime Planning Series)
Discover how personal support networks can transform lives by fostering connection, collaboration, and community. In this insightful presentation, Rebecca Pauls from PLAN (Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network) shares practical strategies for creating sustainable support systems that empower individuals with disabilities and their families.
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FASD United (formerly NOFAS) - FASD Communications - FASD United Webinar
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MotherToBaby - ep. 82 - Public Health Efforts on FASD - The MotherToBaby Podcast
In the second episode of the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) special series, we explore the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s work addressing FASD and how scientific findings are helping shape prevention efforts.
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Fitzgerald Health Education Associates - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome findings
The PMHNP is evaluating a 4-year-old male patient who is presented to care by his new adoptive parents. The patient has been in a variety of foster homes since birth but is now finally in a stable adoptive home.
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MotherToBaby - ep. 81 - FASD Discovery and Prevalence - The MotherToBaby Podcast
In this episode, Dr. Kenneth Lyons Jones, one of the pioneers who first identified Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in the United States in 1973, and Dr. Christina Chambers, a renowned epidemiologist who has conducted groundbreaking research on the prevalence of FASD, join host Chris Stallman, CGC, to discuss the discovery of FASD, its common physical and cognitive traits, and its prevalence today.
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Health Nexus Santé - Wills and Estate Planning for Individuals with FASD (Part 2 of the Lifetime Planning Series)
Planning for the future of a loved one with FASD can be overwhelming. This presentation, led by estate planning expert Natalie Sanna, provides practical and essential guidance for families and caregivers.
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Connected Parenting Minute - What is FASD? An Interview with Sandra Flach - S03 E09 (#30)
In this episode, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest engage in a compelling conversation with Sandra Flach. Together, they delve into the often misunderstood world of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), shedding light on this invisible disability that affects many children, especially those in foster and adoptive families.
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Rural FASD Support Network - Lanark County Community Justice with Samantha Snyder
Samantha from https://www.commjustice.org/ shares how they implement restorative justice in Lanark County for people living with FASD.  She also shares the amazing success they see with this practice particularly with avoiding costly legal obligations, reduced recidivism and strong approval ratings.
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MotherToBaby - Meet Kenneth Lyons Jones, MD!
Kenneth Lyons Jones, MD, a past president of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) and was one of the first two doctors to identify fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in 1973, reflects on his distinguished career, involvement with OTIS and his passionate work surrounding FASD he continues to do today.
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RESEARCH
Psicologia clinica dello sviluppo - Adoption and Spectrum of Feto-Alcoholic Disorders (FASD): Challenges and Resources
Findings indicate that parental stress is negatively associated with emotional well-being, partner support serves as a protective factor for psychological well-being, and friend support for social well-being.
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Respiratory Research - Sexual dimorphism in lung transcriptomic adaptations in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
We hypothesized that developmental alcohol exposure in pregnancy will lead to sexually dimorphic fetal lung morphological and immune adaptations.
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Santa Cecilia University - FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME (FAS): THE NURSE AS AN AGENT OF CHANGE IN PREVENTION AND DIAGNOSIS - AN OVERVIEW STUDY
The objective of this study was to synthesize the existing data and evidence on FAS and the role of nurses as agents of change in prevention and diagnosis.
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Frontiers in Public Health - Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Before Pregnancy Awareness: A Thematic analysis of online forum comments and misinformation
This study explored discussions about alcohol consumption before pregnancy awareness on Mumsnet to understand the nature of peer response and assess the accuracy of information against official health guidelines and the scientific literature.
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Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs - Associations between Neighborhood Environment and Prenatal Alcohol and Tobacco Exposure
Neighborhood environments differ between prenatal alcohol exposed children and unexposed children, as well as between prenatal tobacco exposed children and unexposed children.
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British Journal of Health Psychology - Associations between lifestyle and well-being in early and late pregnancy in women with overweight or obesity: Secondary analyses of the PEARS RCT
Overall healthy lifestyle, physical activity, and especially sleep duration and quality are associated with psychological well-being in pregnancy, and should be promoted antenatally.
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American Family Physician - Psychosocial Interventions to Reduce Alcohol Use During Pregnancy
Psychosocial interventions may increase the rate of sustained alcohol cessation during pregnancy (number needed to treat [NNT] for one more patient to stay continuously abstinent for 2–6 months = 6; 95% CI, 4–15).
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Journal of Women's Health - Maternal Chronic Physical Conditions and Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders in the Preconception and Perinatal Periods
As people with both CPC and SUD have the highest risk of perinatal SUD-related adversity, they may need greater preconception and perinatal support.
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medRxiv - A prospective cohort study to assess if alcohol intake measured by routine pregnancy self-report predicts developmental concerns uncovered by routine health visitor screening of children at 30 months of age
Explanation for this unexpected inverse relationship may relate to known miss-representation of alcohol intake from maternal self-report (the risk) or inaccurate assessment of offspring development at 30 months (the outcome).
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American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Substance Use and Use Disorders During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
This expert review offers obstetricians and gynecologists (OBGYNs) a comprehensive overview of substance use during the prenatal and postpartum periods.
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Alcohol News - 3/2025

Public Health Institute - Draft Report: Scientific Findings of the Alcohol Intake and Health Study for Public Comment
In January 2025, the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking (ICCPUD), a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) committee, published the draft report of its alcohol intake and health study, “Scientific Findings of the Alcohol Intake & Health Study” (AIH), for public comment.
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The Conversation  - Even 1 drink a day elevates your cancer risk – an expert on how alcohol affects the body breaks down a new government report
Many people use the new year to reflect on their relationship with alcohol. Just-released government guidelines are giving Americans another reason to consider a “dry January.”
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STAT - Another federal report on alcohol finds even moderate drinking carries risks
A new federal report on alcohol’s health effects has found even moderate drinking — within the bounds of U.S. nutrition guidance — could carry health risks, including injuries, liver disease and cancer.
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News-Medical (UK) - Experts call for national strategy to address alcohol-related harms in the UK
The UK needs an overarching national strategy to tackle alcohol related harms, argue experts in The BMJ today, as deaths from alcohol in England reach their highest level on record.
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The Guardian (Australia) - The links between alcohol and cancer are clear, but most Australians are unaware of the risks
Looking back on my 25 years in medicine, one of my earliest realisations was Australia’s penchant for alcohol. A routine part of taking a patient’s “social” (not medical) history was, “How much do you drink?”
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Financial Times - Ryanair calls for airport alcohol limit amid jump in in-flight disruptions
Flight disruption caused by unruly passengers has surged since the end of the pandemic, leading Ryanair to demand airports impose restrictions on how much flyers are allowed to drink before boarding a plane.
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Alaska Beacon (USA) - Alaska bills on alcohol-cancer warnings and e-cigarettes revived after faltering last year
Two health-related bills that faced unusual deaths in last year’s session of the Alaska Legislature have been resurrected as new bills for lawmakers to consider this session.
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Movendi International - From Sports to Screens: Exposing Big Alcohol’s Predatory Practices in 2024
With this report, we document appalling cases of alcohol industry misconduct. We expose shocking examples of predatory practices. We reveal the direct and fundamental conflict of interest the alcohol industry has.
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Medscape - Teen Use of Zero Alcohol Drinks Worries Experts
New research suggests the zero alcohol products (ZAP) trend has reached teens. But whether these beverages drive healthier behaviors, act as a gateway to alcohol use, or both, is unknown.
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IAS Blog - Alcohol’s contribution to climate change
Climate change is the single biggest health threat facing humanity. From once in a lifetime floods and bushfires, to species extinction, pollution and proliferation of disease – it is becoming harder to ignore the environmental impacts of our fast-paced consumerism and the industries that sustain this.
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NordAN (Finland) - Refusing alcohol can be challenging – the assumption is that everyone drinks
Alcohol consumption is often seen as a normal part of life, while refusing alcohol is perceived as unusual. Social media influencer Arttu Ylitalo highlights that among young adults, there is a common assumption that alcohol will be consumed whenever people go out.
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NordAN (Finland) - EU Commission rejects Finland’s alcohol home delivery law, government to revise
The European Commission has rejected Finland's draft law on alcohol home delivery, stating that it violates EU competition law.
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NordAN - Link between alcohol and cancer
Can a connection between alcohol and cancer be observed at the population level? The answer is yes. If alcohol consumption in a country decreases, cancer mortality rates also decline. Mats Ramstedt, research director at CAN, is one of the authors of a recently published scientific article on alcohol and cancer.
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Alcohol and cancer (Norway) - Health labeling in Norway: "This is what we've been waiting for"
For the first time, the Norwegian Directorate of Health has shared illustrations of proposed health warnings for alcoholic beverages, reports Aftenposten. This marks an important step toward informing Norwegians about the health risks associated with alcohol consumption.
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WHO Europe - Nordic alcohol monopolies: executive summary
The Nordic alcohol retail monopolies are State-owned enterprises in Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the Faroe Islands (‎a self-governing territory of the Kingdom of Denmark)‎, exclusively authorized to handle the retail sale of alcoholic beverages, with the exception of certain lower-alcohol products.
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Alcohol News - 2/2025

BBC (USA) - US top doctor calls for cancer warnings on alcohol
America's top doctor has called for risk warnings on alcoholic beverages, similar to the labels on cigarettes, following new research that links the drinks to seven types of cancer.
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Science News - Is alcohol linked to cancer? Here’s what the science says
The Surgeon General’s Advisory on Alcohol and Cancer Risk, released January 3, puts the link between drinking alcohol and developing seven different types of cancer — including esophagus, breast, liver and colorectal — in the spotlight to help increase awareness.
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The New York Times - Alcohol Carries New Risks in Middle Age
People between the ages of 35 and 50 reported record-high levels of binge drinking in 2022. One recent study found that the greatest increase in heavy alcohol use between 2018 and 2022 was among people in their 40s.
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Breast Cancer.org - Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk: What You Need to Know
On January 3, the surgeon general released an advisory on alcohol use and cancer risk, noting that alcohol use contributes to 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer deaths in the U.S. each year. The cancers known to be affected by alcohol are mouth, throat, voice box, esophagus, breast, liver, and colon and rectum.
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The Conversation - Better sleep, more energy and feeling in control: the reported benefits of Dry January
Since it was started in 2013 by the charity Alcohol Change UK, the Dry January challenge has significantly grown in popularity, becoming a very popular new year’s resolution.
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Vancouver Sun (Canada) - What's your health risk from alcohol? New website from UVic will tell you
With one of the year’s booziest holidays under revellers’ belts and pledges of a dry January underway, a University of Victoria institute is launching a new website that allows people to see the impact of drinking on their personal health.
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Boston University - Podcast Proves Effective in Educating on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
New research indicates that tuning into an educational podcast prepares healthcare providers to better screen and educate their patients on the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy.
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PsyPost - Alcohol use disorder may exacerbate Alzheimer’s disease through shared genetic pathways
New research has uncovered a connection between Alzheimer’s disease and alcohol use disorder, suggesting that alcohol consumption might accelerate the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
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LSM (Latvia) - Alcohol sales hours to be limited from August in Latvia
The Saeima on Thursday, January 9, adopted amendments restricting the permitted sales time of alcohol, as well as advertising of booze.
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News-Medical (USA) - Over half of US college students experience alcohol-related harms
More than half of US college students experienced alcohol-related harms caused by others, according to the first national probability-based survey of such harms conducted in 20 years.
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Reuters - Countries' guidance on alcohol consumption
The U.S. Surgeon General called on Friday for alcoholic drinks to carry a label warning consumers about their cancer risks. Here are some guidelines and recommendations by governments on alcohol consumption
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Jönköping University (Sweden) - Alcohol regulations reduced sales - historical retrospective
Farmgate sales of beer, wine and spirits could become a reality in Sweden by 2025, sparking debate on Swedish alcohol policy. Meanwhile, a study led by researchers at Jönköping International Business School (JIBS), Jönköping University and Umeå University, is investigating the effects of alcohol regulations introduced over a century ago, and how they can still influence policy decisions today.
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IAS Blog - Alcohol warning labels featuring lived experiences attract greater attention
Alcohol consumption is a major preventable risk factor for cancer, but most people do not know about the risk. One promising way to raise awareness is by adding health warning labels to alcohol products.
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NordAN (Sweden) - The government ignores Portugal's criticism of Sweden's farm sales proposal
Sweden has chosen to disregard Portugal's criticism of the farm sales proposal, while the European Commission, according to reports, has opted not to comment.
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NordAN (Norway) - Actis on health labelling: "This is what we've been waiting for"
Two years ago, Ingvild Kjerkol, then Minister of Health, tasked the Norwegian Directorate of Health with exploring the implementation of warning labels on alcohol. Yesterday, the proposed measures were presented, reports Actis on actis.no.
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Alcohol Awareness (Sweden) - Sometimes a no is the finest gift you can give
Systembolaget, Sweden’s state-owned alcohol retail monopoly, has introduced a new campaign titled Ibland är ett nej det finaste du kan ge (“Sometimes a no is the finest gift you can give”). The initiative emphasizes the importance of refusing to buy alcohol for teenagers, a practice that research shows is a major source of alcohol for underage drinkers.
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FASD News - 1/2025

The University of Auckland (New Zealand) - Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: help at hand
How best to support people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and their whānau is the focus of a new study at the University of Auckland.
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University of Queensland - UQ research aims to improve fetal alcohol spectrum disorder diagnosis
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder can be difficult to diagnose, but University of Queensland researchers have established the most scientific approach to detecting the disorder.
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Clare Echo (Ireland) - FASD Ireland launch Christmas & New Year campaign
ENNIS BASED, FASD Ireland which supports people and their families living with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, have launched their 2024 Christmas and New Year campaign.
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Irish Examiner (Ireland) - Pregnant women urged not to drink alcohol over Christmas over health risks to children
Pregnant women are being urged not to put their children’s health at risk by drinking alcohol during the Christmas season.
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News24 (South Africa) - 'I wish I could go back and make different choices': Eastern Cape mom's fetal alcohol regrets
An Eastern Cape mother revealed how stress during her pregnancy led her to alcohol, resulting in lasting health problems for her child.
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Waatea News (New Zealand) - New campaign promotes alcohol-free pregnancies
The Government has just launched its new ‘Nurture the Future Within’ public health campaign, aimed at preventing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder by promoting alcohol-free pregnancies.
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CanFASD - Updated Issue Papers on the Prevalence of FASD
CanFASD recently updated two issue papers on the prevalence of FASD: one about estimated rates in the general prevalence, and one in special populations.
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FASD United (USA) - FASD United Shares Concerns About Alcoholic-Drink Mini Toys
FASD United shares the concerns expressed by the organization Alcohol Justice and others about new alcoholic-drink themed miniature toys sold under the brand “MGA Entertainment’s Make It Mini Happy Hour.”
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CanFASD (Canada) - 2024 Year in Review
As we wrap up 2024, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the progress and impact CanFASD has made over the past year. From hosting webinars, to publishing research to launching a new fund, we’ve worked hard to bring important information about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) to our community and beyond.
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VIDEOS and MATERIALS
AFMCTV - AFMC TV ENCORE Episode 177 - Shaneca Smith - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Dive into the vital mission against Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in Arkansas with Shaneca Smith on AFMC TV. Learn why there's no safe level of alcohol during pregnancy.
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Mitzi, Let's Think About It! - LTA "FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)." W/SG Patti Kasper
Patti came on to my show to share her perspective with me in such a way that I kept thinking about this topic after the recording ended. How could we not consider how many women drank alcohol during their pregnancy in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s and even to this day?
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Able to Care Podcast - Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
This months podcast explores Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and how we can help those living with it.
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RESEARCH
Journal of Child Neurology - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Pediatric Neurology: Are We Missing the Connection? A Scoping Review
This study suggests that in addition to ADHD and autism spectrum disorder, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder may also be a common diagnosis in pediatric neurology practice.
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Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research - Understanding the intersection of prenatal alcohol exposure and postnatal adversity: A systematic review from a developmental psychopathology lens
This systematic review examines the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and postnatal adversity (PA) using the developmental psychopathology (DP) framework.
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Trends in psychiatry and psychotherapy - Evaluation of Criminal Responsibility in a Patient with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Intellectual Disability
The current study presents the case of a young man with intellectual disability related to fetal alcohol syndrome, referred for forensic psychiatric examination of criminal liability following charges of armed robbery, and who was considered not criminally liable.
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Therapy In Health Care - Exploring Occupational Therapy Practice for Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
This article delineates the role and scope of occupational therapy practice for children and youth with FASD, focusing on holistic and strengths-based approaches.
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Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research - Maternal and paternal risk factors associated with diagnoses within the continuum of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in the USA: Proximal and distal influences
While multiple, significant maternal risk factors for FASD were identified, paternal drinking was not a statistically significant, independent risk factor.
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Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research - Control of precision grip in children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure
Children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure demonstrate force deficits when using precision grip to manipulate an object with three different masses.
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Neuropharmacology - Moderate prenatal alcohol exposure alters GABAergic transmission and the actions of acute alcohol in the medial central amygdala of adolescent rats
Overall, these findings support the hypothesis that mPAE leads to sex-specific changes in synaptic activity and neuronal function.
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Children - Anxiety and Depression and Sleep Problems Among Patients with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
These findings suggest that sleep disturbances in children with FASD are closely related to state anxiety and depressive symptoms. The results emphasize the need for targeted interventions addressing sleep and emotional health in this population.
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Minerva pediatrics - Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: where we have come from, trends, and future directions
First described in the 1970s as fetal alcohol syndrome, continuing progress has been made in the understanding, recognition and treatment of what is now recognized to be a range of related neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Journal of Substance Use - Prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use among pregnant women in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Tobacco and alcohol use during pregnancy are prevalent in India. Developing effective strategies to reduce these rates is important for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and improving maternal and child health.
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Substance Use & Misuse - Trends in U.S. State Alcohol and Other Drug Use During Pregnancy Policies from 2016 to 2020: Policymaking in the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act Era
Even though CARA does not require reporting for the purposes of child welfare investigations, several states adopted such requirements during these years.
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Drug and Alcohol Review - Regional disparities and correlates of alcohol use during pregnancy in India: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-5
Alcohol use during pregnancy in India shows significant regional and socio-demographic disparities. The findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions and policies, particularly in high-risk groups and regions.
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Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research - A randomized controlled trial of Native CHOICES: Impact on alcohol-exposed pregnancy risk reduction among American Indian and Alaska Native women
The Native CHOICES intervention did not show evidence of effectiveness overall. However, exploratory analyses offer some evidence that the intervention was effective prior to the pandemic.
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Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research - Understanding the effects of alcohol policies on treatment admissions and birth outcomes among young pregnant people
General population policies also appear effective for reducing the adverse effects of drinking during pregnancy for young people, including those under 21. Policies that target people based on age or pregnancy status appear less effective.
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SAGE Open Nursing - The Role of Pregnancy Intentions in U.S. Women's Contraceptive and Alcohol Use Behaviors
Pregnancy intentions are associated with contraceptive nonuse but not heavy alcohol use. Delayed pregnancy recognition among those not actively trying to conceive but also not consistently using an effective form of contraception might place women who are avoiding or ambivalent about pregnancy at heightened risk for an alcohol-exposed pregnancy.
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Alcohol News - 1/2025

Alcohol Change UK - Benefits of the Dry January® challenge, and when you can expect to see them
So, you’re keen to try a month without alcohol but what’s in it for you? Well, as it turns out, quite a lot! We talk through some of the main benefits from the Dry January® challenge, and when you can expect to see them.
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ERR News (Estonia) - Tallinn favors licensing system for limiting alcohol sales
The Ministry of Social Affairs is drafting a new national alcohol policy for the next decade. The proposals include measures to reduce the physical availability of alcohol and impose stricter advertising restrictions.
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BBC (UK) - Dry January: I spent a year without alcohol
Exactly one year ago I set out on a personal challenge - I decided to stop drinking alcohol for the entirety of 2024.
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Euronews (Italy) - Venice, Tokyo, Strasbourg: Watch out for alcohol bans on New Year’s Eve in these cities
Cities have also restricted the sale of fireworks and closed off crowded areas. Venice has introduced a ban on alcohol consumption on New Year’s Eve as a safety measure.
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The Conversation - Want to live longer and save money? Online app can help calculate your benefits from cutting back on alcohol
Dry January is a time when many people think about taking a break from alcohol and giving their liver a rest. But what does that look like in terms of individual benefits?
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New York Times (USA) - The Battle Over What to Tell Americans About Drinking
Officials in other countries are warning about the health hazards of alcohol in any amount. Americans are still told that moderate drinking is safe. What gives?
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France 24 (France) - No longer drinking? More and people turn to tasty alcohol-free drinks
Some may be nursing a sore head today, after New Year festivities… But not everyone, as more and more consumers indulge in non-alcoholic drinks instead. Improvements in these drinks' taste have already won over a lot of people in France in the last couple of years.
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The Brussels Times (Belgium) - Wide-ranging ban on alcohol advertising to take effect on 1 January
A total ban on alcohol advertising will come into force on 1 January next on TikTok and Snapchat, and in cinema screenings in which at least 30% of the audience are minors.
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Alcohol Awareness (Norway) - Alcohol and aging: Blue Cross Norway highlights risks for older adults
Blue Cross Norway has launched an awareness campaign addressing the increasing alcohol consumption among older adults in Norway.
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NordAN (Denmark) - Denmark: New requirements for businesses in alcohol, nicotine, and tobacco industries
The Danish Parliament passed in December new legislation as part of the government's prevention plan targeting children and youth concerning tobacco, nicotine, and alcohol. This introduces new requirements for businesses in these sectors.
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Reykjavik Grapevine (Iceland) - Online Alcohol Merchants Closed By Police
The capital area police closed the operations of various alcohol merchants on December 26, RÚV and Vísir report. According to Icelandic alcohol laws, distribution and sale of liquor is prohibited during national holidays.
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Alcohol Awareness (Norway) - White January: A fresh start for the new year
White January, organized by Blue Cross Norway, is a unique campaign encouraging people to begin the year with a focus on health and well-being by going alcohol-free for the month.
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Alcohol Awareness (Finland) - #tipaton2025
The Finnish tradition of Tipaton tammikuu (Dry January) is back, encouraging individuals to pause and reflect on their alcohol consumption. This year’s theme, Elä enemmän (Live More), invites participants to explore the joys of an alcohol-free month while embracing a healthier and more energetic lifestyle.
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NordAN - Electoral long COVID and its global implications
The year 2024 has been marked by a global wave of political change, with elections in over 70 countries impacting half the world's population.
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