| Bulletin 114 – Survey on neurodiversity in entrenched dependent drinkers Survey on neurodiversity in entrenched dependent drinkers Our new multi-partner Blue Light development project on identifying and addressing neurodiversity in the context of entrenched dependent drinking has now kicked off. Our first step is a survey to identify local challenges and best practice in working with this group of dependent drinkers. In this survey, neurodiversity covers Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and other conditions such as Tourette’s Syndrome, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia. We are looking for information, experience, practical examples and case studies of both effective and ineffective practice with dependent drinkers who are also neurodivergent or appear to be neurodivergent. We would be grateful if you could complete this short questionnaire to tell us about your experience. It should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. We now have 17 partners on this project and are starting the process of research and development, which will lead to guidance and training on this important issue. Partners can still join the project. For further information, please email jane.gardiner@alcoholchange.org.uk. |
| Alcohol and the brain A key aspect of the Blue Light Approach is to improve understanding of the physiological effects of drinking alcohol and how this can create long-term changes to the brain for people who are alcohol dependent, and how this can impact their ability to engage with services and make a positive change. It is vital to understand these effects to avoid stigmatising people with alcohol problems and to reduce barriers to engagement for those struggling. Two recent pieces of research explore this theme and offer some interventions that can support those struggling. |
| Acquired brain injury: an invisible consequence of domestic abuse for women in the justice system A recent research report from HM Inspectorate of Probation has highlighted that Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is a significant consequence for women in the justice system and that this often results from domestic abuse. The report highlights research that Brainkind conducted amongst women in HMP Drake Hall. They found that about two in three (64 per cent) of the women reported a history indicative of ABI, and that the majority of these women had experienced their brain injury as a result of domestic abuse. Other studies report similarly high figures. For example, McMillan et al. (2021) studied 109 women in prison in Scotland and found that 78 per cent had experienced a significant head injury. Of those with significant head injury, domestic abuse was the cause in the majority (89 per cent) of cases. These injuries can be the result of head strikes or non-fatal strangulation and can lead to neurological impacts such as memory problems, difficulties with attention and concentration, speech and language skills, and impulsivity. They can also lead to mental health and substance use disorders. Such changes will also make it harder to recover from alcohol use disorders. It is important that professionals in health, social care and housing settings are aware of this evidence from the criminal justice system and the interventions and resources available to increase understanding and support a different attitude to many challenging dependent drinkers. |
| Chronic alcohol use profoundly alters gene expression in the brain’s reward system A recent study published in the journal Addiction highlights another aspect of the complex relationship between alcohol and brain function. The research suggests that chronic alcohol consumption profoundly alters gene expression in key brain regions involved in reward, impulse control, and decision-making. These findings help explain why individuals with alcohol use disorder show increased relapse vulnerability and impaired executive control. The authors suggest that their work provides new insight into the biological basis of alcohol addiction and points toward potential therapeutic approaches. |
| Review of managed alcohol programmes for people experiencing alcohol dependence and homelessness Managed alcohol programmes (MAPs) are a harm reduction approach where alcohol is provided in measured doses in a structured way, alongside wider support for housing, physical and mental health, welfare, and social connection. So far, they have not been widely used in this country. People experiencing homelessness and alcohol dependence are vulnerable to a range of harms, and treatment options which are often abstinence-based are inadequate for this group because they may be unavailable, unsuitable, or not aligned with their goals. Instead, MAPs offer alcohol harm reduction approaches which provide individuals with support to reduce the harms associated with their drinking, without the need to stop drinking. A recent review has looked at the effectiveness of these approaches and has shown how they can be successful at a number of levels, including reducing other service use, like emergency services, increasing engagement with other activities, improving physical and mental health and creating a sense of hope and purpose due to the non-stigmatising and non-judgemental way in which they work with people. |
| Alcohol-related liver disease training Wednesday 10 June 2026 9:30 am to 4 pm Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) refers to liver damage caused by excess alcohol intake. It is common in the UK, and the number of people with this condition has been increasing over the last few decades as a result of increasing levels of alcohol use. Delivered for you by a hepatology nurse, this course looks at what it is like to live with this diagnosis and the impact on those around them. Course objectives Describe the stages of severity of ALRD and the range of associated symptoms Understand the reasons why some people with ARLD may choose to continue drinking and the barriers to change Feel confident to have a conversation with a patient with ARLD about their condition Feel confident to support the families of those living with ARLD with an increased understanding of the unique issues that accompany this diagnosis. |
Alcohol Change UK training
We can deliver our award-winning Blue Light course, our safeguarding vulnerable dependent drinkers course and our cognitive impairment online along with a host of other courses either in-person or online, depending on your needs. If you think that would be of use to your workforce or local area, do contact us at training@alcoholchange.org.uk