Tag: Alcohol

Guide to Sober October: what’s in it for you?

David Nutt

This month, people worldwide will take on the 31-day ‘Sober October’ challenge, a movement that began in the UK to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, benefiting those with cancer. Even if you’re not officially participating, Sober October offers a chance to reset your body and rethink your relationship with alcohol. In our latest blog, Professor David Nutt from the Department of Brain Sciences shares expert tips on how to make the most of this healthy, alcohol-free month.

Sober October is here, and it’s the perfect opportunity to hit reset on your relationship with alcohol – whether you’re looking to completely abstain or simply cut down. Much like Dry January or Dry July, this month-long challenge is about taking a break from alcohol and reassessing its place in your life.

With alcohol consumption on the decline among Gen Z and Millennials, it’s clear that more and more people are recognising the benefits of taking a break from booze and now is the perfect time to jump on board.

Sober October is a global movement encouraging people to stop drinking for the month of October. For many, it’s a time to take a break and rest after summer’s social gatherings and prepare for the end of year holiday season with a clearer mind. It’s not just about abstinence; it’s also about fostering better health, improving mental clarity, and building positive habits for the future.

Progress not perfection

Stopping alcohol intake for a whole month can have major health benefits.  People who participated in previous abstinence challenges like Dry January have reported improved sleep (56%), weight loss (38%), and better mental health. Even those who didn’t make it through the full month still saw long-term reductions in alcohol intake and enhanced well-being, showing that it’s about progress, not perfection.  There are also likely to be measurable physiological improvements such as lowering your blood pressure if you are hypertensive, losing weight (as alcohol has more calories than most people imagine) and putting more money in your pocket – perfect for upcoming holiday shopping.

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Lockdown Hangover: The impact of COVID-19 on alcohol consumption

With reports of a spike in alcohol sales suggesting that many are turning to alcohol during these unprecedented times, PhD student Emily Palmer is conducting a survey to find out more about alcohol consumption and the potential public health consequences.

I blink my eyes open. Head is throbbing, suddenly I realise how thirsty I am and reach for the glass of water on my bedside table. Blissful saviour. Then slowly, the blurry memory of uncorking yet another bottle of wine swims to the forefront of my mind. This is my experience of being hungover.

Throughout my teenage years, hangovers were a ritualistic reprimand for a failure in self-control. However, throughout my studies – first in biomedical science and then neuroscience – I began to learn more about the science of the hangover phenomenon. My interest started with a project in my undergrad degree focusing on alcohol. Alcohol in the context of intoxication and addiction is widely researched, and there is no shortage of published papers. I was fascinated to learn how this widely used, socially acceptable drug ravages the brain and body. (more…)

My medical school placement at a Hazelden Betty Ford drug and alcohol treatment centre

My medical school placement at a US drug and alcohol treatment centre
Last August, medical student Paulina took part in the Summer Institute for Medical Students at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Addiction Treatment Center in Minnesota.

The SIMS program has a reputation of being a life-changing and eye-opening experience. Thanks to the generosity of the scholarship itself, along with Imperial’s support that covered the cost of my visa, I was able to take part in the programme with minimal personal expenses. (more…)

Could gut hormones help make Dry January last all year?

Dr Tony Goldstone

In this post, Dr Tony Goldstone looks at the role of gut hormones in controlling alcohol addiction and how they may provide a basis for future treatment. 

After the excesses of Christmas and New Year, it has become fashionable for January to be promoted as a time for reassessment and resolutions. There are promises and attempts at living a healthier lifestyle, including stopping drinking alcohol (‘Dry January’), joining that gym, stopping smoking, and eating better. However, we know how difficult it is to maintain behaviour change over the longer term. People start drinking excessively again, put back on the weight they lose, start smoking again, and their attendance at the gym wanes. For people who have hazardous levels of drinking, and those who are dependent on alcohol, this is particularly problematic. (more…)

Alcohol Awareness Week: seeking a responsible alternative

For Alcohol Awareness Week, Professor David Nutt explains how his latest research venture, an alcohol-free beverage, could address the dangers associated with alcohol consumption. 

Most of us are aware that chronic, heavy alcohol consumption and binge drinking leads to a plethora of health issues including liver damage and addiction. However, many of us are still unaware of the dangers associated with even moderate alcohol consumption or the cumulative effects that alcohol can have on our health. So just what are those regular trips to the pub, or the frequent cocktails after work really costing us? (more…)