SARG - SCHARR
@sarg-scharr.bsky.social
Sheffield Addictions Research Group is part of the Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR) at the University of Sheffield.
✨ SARG Internship opportunity ✨ We're currently looking for a part-time Quantitative Research Intern to undertake a three-month research project mapping the type of advice that alcohol treatment and recovery services give to clients on the use of alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks. Find out more 👇
Quantitative Research Intern (P/T) at University of Sheffield
An opportunity for an academic position as a Quantitative Research Intern (P/T) is available, as advertised on jobs.ac.uk. Apply now and explore other academic job openings.
www.jobs.ac.uk
November 25, 2025 at 12:10 PM
✨ SARG Internship opportunity ✨ We're currently looking for a part-time Quantitative Research Intern to undertake a three-month research project mapping the type of advice that alcohol treatment and recovery services give to clients on the use of alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks. Find out more 👇
Reposted by SARG - SCHARR
We've got a new paper out in @addictionjournal.bsky.social led by @drsarahejackson.bsky.social looking at trends in cost as a motivating factor for people looking to reduce their alcohol consumption.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
November 21, 2025 at 9:43 AM
We've got a new paper out in @addictionjournal.bsky.social led by @drsarahejackson.bsky.social looking at trends in cost as a motivating factor for people looking to reduce their alcohol consumption.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Reposted by SARG - SCHARR
A few thoughts on alcohol duty ahead of the budget (and an excuse to update some old graphs).
These two show the important of accounting for inflation - in cash terms alcohol duty rates are higher than ever before, but in real terms they are at historically low levels.
These two show the important of accounting for inflation - in cash terms alcohol duty rates are higher than ever before, but in real terms they are at historically low levels.
November 13, 2025 at 12:05 PM
A few thoughts on alcohol duty ahead of the budget (and an excuse to update some old graphs).
These two show the important of accounting for inflation - in cash terms alcohol duty rates are higher than ever before, but in real terms they are at historically low levels.
These two show the important of accounting for inflation - in cash terms alcohol duty rates are higher than ever before, but in real terms they are at historically low levels.
SARG Director @jholmessheff.bsky.social was part of an expert panel that supported the development of 'A Healthier Future: A long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK', a significant new report published by the Institute of Alcohol Studies @ias.org.uk this week. @fohsheffield.bsky.social
Professor John Holmes contributes to major new report outlining actions to tackle alcohol harm - Sheffield Addictions Research Group
SARG Director Professor John Holmes was part of an expert panel that supported the development of 'A Healthier Future: A long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK', a significant new report pu...
sarg-sheffield.ac.uk
November 13, 2025 at 1:17 PM
SARG Director @jholmessheff.bsky.social was part of an expert panel that supported the development of 'A Healthier Future: A long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK', a significant new report published by the Institute of Alcohol Studies @ias.org.uk this week. @fohsheffield.bsky.social
Our new paper discusses the challenge of how clinicians and other treatment providers should respond to the use of alcohol-free and low-alcohol (no/lo) products by patients with, or at risk of developing, severe alcohol-related health problems including AUD and ARLD. #PublicHealth #AlcoholHarm
Clinicians: Should patients at high risk of alcohol harm use no and low-alcohol drinks?
New research highlights the need for nuanced guidance beyond zero-tolerance, considering non-abstinence goals and harm reduction:
New research highlights the need for nuanced guidance beyond zero-tolerance, considering non-abstinence goals and harm reduction:
Zero tolerance for 0%? How should clinicians and other practitioners respond to the use of alcohol‐free and low‐alcohol products in higher risk groups
Alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks (no/lo drinks) are now widely available and popular with consumers in high-income countries; however, it is unclear whether clinicians and others working to…
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
November 12, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Our new paper discusses the challenge of how clinicians and other treatment providers should respond to the use of alcohol-free and low-alcohol (no/lo) products by patients with, or at risk of developing, severe alcohol-related health problems including AUD and ARLD. #PublicHealth #AlcoholHarm
The latest publication from our evaluation of the QUIT hospital-based tobacco dependence treatment service is now available. It investigates patient flows from hospital to community stop smoking services and subsequent quitting outcomes. Find out more about this work at quit.sites.sheffield.ac.uk
Smoking cessation after referral from hospital to community stop smoking services: an observational study
Introduction In England, acute National Health Service (NHS) hospitals routinely ask patients about smoking status on admission, offering in-hospital treatment for tobacco dependence and support for q...
bmjpublichealth.bmj.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:25 AM
The latest publication from our evaluation of the QUIT hospital-based tobacco dependence treatment service is now available. It investigates patient flows from hospital to community stop smoking services and subsequent quitting outcomes. Find out more about this work at quit.sites.sheffield.ac.uk
Huge thanks to everyone who joined our symposium on alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks at the @addiction-ssa.org Annual Conference last week! 📸 @ppermanhowe.bsky.social @abi-stevely.bsky.social Nathan Critchlow and Inge Kersbergen. Find out more about our No/Lo Project: sarg-sheffield.ac.uk/no-lo
November 10, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Huge thanks to everyone who joined our symposium on alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks at the @addiction-ssa.org Annual Conference last week! 📸 @ppermanhowe.bsky.social @abi-stevely.bsky.social Nathan Critchlow and Inge Kersbergen. Find out more about our No/Lo Project: sarg-sheffield.ac.uk/no-lo
More conference activity for SARG next week as @charlierosehead.bsky.social and Esther Chanakira head to Helsinki to present work from the @lhgp.bsky.social research programme at the European Public Health Conference #EPH2025 #PublicHealth
SARG researchers present on economic modelling and wastewater surveillance at European Public Health Conference - Sheffield Addictions Research Group
Two researchers from the Sheffield Addictions Research Group (SARG), Dr Charlotte Head and Dr Esther Chanakira, will showcase innovative local-level tools for policy design, including economic modelli...
sarg-sheffield.ac.uk
November 7, 2025 at 2:07 PM
More conference activity for SARG next week as @charlierosehead.bsky.social and Esther Chanakira head to Helsinki to present work from the @lhgp.bsky.social research programme at the European Public Health Conference #EPH2025 #PublicHealth
Great to see findings from our @nihr.bsky.social funded No/Lo Project in this @theguardian.com article about no/lo drink pricing, along with comments from project lead @jholmessheff.bsky.social Find out more about the project and download the referenced report here: sarg-sheffield.ac.uk/no-lo
Why are alcohol-free drinks so expensive? Some fake spirits cost over £25 a bottle!
In this new series, our money and consumer editor considers the often perplexing reasons items cost what they do. As a new report suggests booze-free booze can cost 25% more than the alcoholic equival...
www.theguardian.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Great to see findings from our @nihr.bsky.social funded No/Lo Project in this @theguardian.com article about no/lo drink pricing, along with comments from project lead @jholmessheff.bsky.social Find out more about the project and download the referenced report here: sarg-sheffield.ac.uk/no-lo
SARG researchers @abi-stevely.bsky.social @ppermanhowe.bsky.social and @mervemolla.bsky.social are heading to the @addiction-ssa.org Annual Conference to present some of our latest research into alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks. Find out more on the SARG website 👇 #publichealth #nolo
SARG to present latest research on alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks at SSA Annual Conference 2025 - Sheffield Addictions Research Group
Researchers from the Sheffield Addictions Research Group (SARG) are set to present their latest findings on alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks at the Society for the Study of Addiction (SSA) Annual C...
sarg-sheffield.ac.uk
November 5, 2025 at 10:11 AM
SARG researchers @abi-stevely.bsky.social @ppermanhowe.bsky.social and @mervemolla.bsky.social are heading to the @addiction-ssa.org Annual Conference to present some of our latest research into alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks. Find out more on the SARG website 👇 #publichealth #nolo
Reposted by SARG - SCHARR
This is a hugely important editorial that sets out how UK Government proposals to reform alcohol licensing will undermine the entire purpose of the licensing system. It will explicitly move the focus from protecting public health and social order to promoting economic goals and business priorities.
A new @addictionjournal.bsky.social commentary warns of regulatory capture in UK alcohol licensing
The ‘Licensing Taskforce’ - led by industry figures - could weaken democratic accountability & redefine licensing as business promotion, not public protection
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
The ‘Licensing Taskforce’ - led by industry figures - could weaken democratic accountability & redefine licensing as business promotion, not public protection
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Regulatory capture in UK alcohol licensing policy: The 2025 ‘licensing taskforce’ report
Click on the article title to read more.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
October 29, 2025 at 10:16 AM
This is a hugely important editorial that sets out how UK Government proposals to reform alcohol licensing will undermine the entire purpose of the licensing system. It will explicitly move the focus from protecting public health and social order to promoting economic goals and business priorities.
Great to hear from @ambercopeland.bsky.social today about her new @wellcometrust.bsky.social fellowship! Her work focuses on modelling how contextual factors influence alcohol consumption. Find out more on the SARG website: sarg-sheffield.ac.uk/projects/a-n... #AddictionResearch #PublicHealth
October 30, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Great to hear from @ambercopeland.bsky.social today about her new @wellcometrust.bsky.social fellowship! Her work focuses on modelling how contextual factors influence alcohol consumption. Find out more on the SARG website: sarg-sheffield.ac.uk/projects/a-n... #AddictionResearch #PublicHealth
Reposted by SARG - SCHARR
Alcoholic drinks, along with fruit and fish, are the only food and drink category to have got cheaper, in real terms, since the start of the cost-of-living crisis.
Beer has got slightly more expensive in real terms since the end of 2022, but wine and spirits remain at late 2022 prices.
Beer has got slightly more expensive in real terms since the end of 2022, but wine and spirits remain at late 2022 prices.
October 24, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Alcoholic drinks, along with fruit and fish, are the only food and drink category to have got cheaper, in real terms, since the start of the cost-of-living crisis.
Beer has got slightly more expensive in real terms since the end of 2022, but wine and spirits remain at late 2022 prices.
Beer has got slightly more expensive in real terms since the end of 2022, but wine and spirits remain at late 2022 prices.
Reposted by SARG - SCHARR
New data shows that the rate of alcohol-specific deaths in England & Wales *fell* in 2024 by 7.8%, but remain well above pre-pandemic levels.
This is the first fall since 2018, and is certainly good news, but the no. of people who sadly died from these causes in 2024 is still 1/3 higher than 2019
This is the first fall since 2018, and is certainly good news, but the no. of people who sadly died from these causes in 2024 is still 1/3 higher than 2019
October 20, 2025 at 10:03 AM
New data shows that the rate of alcohol-specific deaths in England & Wales *fell* in 2024 by 7.8%, but remain well above pre-pandemic levels.
This is the first fall since 2018, and is certainly good news, but the no. of people who sadly died from these causes in 2024 is still 1/3 higher than 2019
This is the first fall since 2018, and is certainly good news, but the no. of people who sadly died from these causes in 2024 is still 1/3 higher than 2019
Reposted by SARG - SCHARR
I spoke to @samuelacuff.bsky.social and @noahemery.bsky.social on their Addiction Psychologist podcast about the evidence on minimum unit pricing for alcohol. You can listen below: creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/...
The Addiction Psychologist • A podcast on Spotify for Creators
Drs. Noah Emery and Samuel Acuff interview researchers, clinicians, and policymakers in the field of addiction psychology with the hopes of enhancing recovery. Official podcast of the Society for Addi...
creators.spotify.com
October 14, 2025 at 7:07 PM
I spoke to @samuelacuff.bsky.social and @noahemery.bsky.social on their Addiction Psychologist podcast about the evidence on minimum unit pricing for alcohol. You can listen below: creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/...
The latest paper from our @nihr.bsky.social funded No/Lo Project finds that around a third of people use alcohol-free or low-alcohol drinks in attempts to cut down on drinking alcohol, but no clear evidence that they increase the success of these attempts. #AlcoholResearch #NoLo #AlcoholPolicy
The use of alcohol-free and low alcohol drinks in attempts to restrict alcohol consumption: findings from a cross-sectional survey
The sale and consumption of alcohol-free and low alcohol drinks (no/lo drinks) has increased substantially in many high-income countries, including Gr…
www.sciencedirect.com
October 14, 2025 at 11:29 AM
The latest paper from our @nihr.bsky.social funded No/Lo Project finds that around a third of people use alcohol-free or low-alcohol drinks in attempts to cut down on drinking alcohol, but no clear evidence that they increase the success of these attempts. #AlcoholResearch #NoLo #AlcoholPolicy
📢 New paper published in @bmjtobacco-control.bsky.social Using electronic point-of-sales (EPOS) data, this study assesses purchase price of factory-made cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco across neighbourhood deprivation and urban/rural status in Britain. #TobaccoResearch #PublicHealth
Purchase price of tobacco in small retailers in Great Britain: the relationships with neighbourhood deprivation and urbanicity between 2016–2021
Background Tobacco price is an important determinant of smoking behaviour. Using electronic point-of-sales (EPOS) data, this study assesses purchase price of factory-made cigarettes (FMC) and roll-you...
tobaccocontrol.bmj.com
October 7, 2025 at 8:24 AM
📢 New paper published in @bmjtobacco-control.bsky.social Using electronic point-of-sales (EPOS) data, this study assesses purchase price of factory-made cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco across neighbourhood deprivation and urban/rural status in Britain. #TobaccoResearch #PublicHealth
Here's more on the key findings from our report published earlier this week which uses the most recent available post-pandemic data to estimate the health and financial toll of alcohol consumption in Northern Ireland. #AlcoholPolicy #PublicHealth
New SARG report details alcohol-related health and financial burden in Northern Ireland - Sheffield Addictions Research Group
The Sheffield Addictions Research Group (SARG) has published new analysis estimating the substantial health and financial toll of alcohol consumption in Northern Ireland, using the most recent availab...
sarg-sheffield.ac.uk
October 3, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Here's more on the key findings from our report published earlier this week which uses the most recent available post-pandemic data to estimate the health and financial toll of alcohol consumption in Northern Ireland. #AlcoholPolicy #PublicHealth
New SARG report published today - find out more in @victimofmaths.bsky.social thread 👇
We've got a new report out today using new data from Northern Ireland to estimate Alcohol-Attributable Fractions (AAFs) and the number of hospital admissions and deaths each year in NI caused by alcohol. Plus, how these break down by age, sex and condition.
sarg-sheffield.ac.uk/wp-content/u...
sarg-sheffield.ac.uk/wp-content/u...
October 1, 2025 at 12:41 PM
New SARG report published today - find out more in @victimofmaths.bsky.social thread 👇
This new paper led by @sophiebright.bsky.social provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on how distinct types of structural discrimination impact upon alcohol outcomes, advancing our understanding of this emerging field, and identifying key directions for future research.
The association between macro-level structural discrimination and alcohol outcomes: A systematic review
Alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for death and disability, disproportionately harming disadvantaged groups. While a positive association bet…
www.sciencedirect.com
September 29, 2025 at 1:39 PM
This new paper led by @sophiebright.bsky.social provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on how distinct types of structural discrimination impact upon alcohol outcomes, advancing our understanding of this emerging field, and identifying key directions for future research.
Lots of media coverage this morning of findings from our new report 'Alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks in Great Britain: Monitoring report on 2023 data'. The no/lo market continues to expand and no/lo drinks are more likely to be consumed by risky drinkers. Find out more 👇 @nihr.bsky.social
New report reveals further growth and key trends in alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks market - Sheffield Addictions Research Group
A second Monitoring Report from the Sheffield Addictions Research Group has been published, revealing further growth in the alcohol-free and low-alcohol (no/lo) drinks market and offering new insights...
sarg-sheffield.ac.uk
September 24, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Lots of media coverage this morning of findings from our new report 'Alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks in Great Britain: Monitoring report on 2023 data'. The no/lo market continues to expand and no/lo drinks are more likely to be consumed by risky drinkers. Find out more 👇 @nihr.bsky.social
Reposted by SARG - SCHARR
Sober months like Dry January have become increasingly popular in recent years, but do they actually change how we drink?
In this blog, @aishamoolla.bsky.social outlines the findings from recent @sarg-scharr.bsky.social research on the short and long-term impacts.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/09/23/d...
In this blog, @aishamoolla.bsky.social outlines the findings from recent @sarg-scharr.bsky.social research on the short and long-term impacts.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/09/23/d...
Does Dry January change how we drink? - Institute of Alcohol Studies
A new study finds that Dry January does show up in national alcohol sales data – people drink less and buy more no/lo options during the month. But most return to old habits by February, raising quest...
www.ias.org.uk
September 23, 2025 at 8:17 AM
Sober months like Dry January have become increasingly popular in recent years, but do they actually change how we drink?
In this blog, @aishamoolla.bsky.social outlines the findings from recent @sarg-scharr.bsky.social research on the short and long-term impacts.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/09/23/d...
In this blog, @aishamoolla.bsky.social outlines the findings from recent @sarg-scharr.bsky.social research on the short and long-term impacts.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/09/23/d...
New paper from the SIMAH project: This study aimed to simulate the effect of beverage-specific price increases on alcohol use within subgroups of the adult US population defined by sex, educational attainment and alcohol use category. More on the SIMAH project at sarg-sheffield.ac.uk/projects/sim...
Targeting alcohol use in high-risk population groups: a US microsimulation study of beverage-specific pricing policies
Raising retail prices on alcoholic beverages preferred by high-risk groups (males, those of low socioeconomic status, and those with heavy alcohol use…
www.sciencedirect.com
September 22, 2025 at 10:10 AM
New paper from the SIMAH project: This study aimed to simulate the effect of beverage-specific price increases on alcohol use within subgroups of the adult US population defined by sex, educational attainment and alcohol use category. More on the SIMAH project at sarg-sheffield.ac.uk/projects/sim...
This new paper by SARG Research Associate and Wellcome Trust PhD student Lucy Burke explores whether the reasons people drink alcohol influence their consumption of alcohol-free and low-alcohol (no/lo) drinks. #PublicHealth #NoLo
Is why we drink alcohol important when considering the potential public health benefit of alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks? A cross-sectional study investigating associations between alcohol drinki...
Introduction The UK has promoted increased availability of alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks (no/lo, ≤1.2% alcohol by volume) as a public health strategy. To be effective, no/lo beverages must repla...
doi.org
September 17, 2025 at 11:29 AM
This new paper by SARG Research Associate and Wellcome Trust PhD student Lucy Burke explores whether the reasons people drink alcohol influence their consumption of alcohol-free and low-alcohol (no/lo) drinks. #PublicHealth #NoLo
✨New on the SARG Blog✨ Nathan Critchlow gives an overview of a recent study which explored how commercial, government, and third-sector activities have shaped the rapid growth of the alcohol-free and low-alcohol market in Great Britain #nolo #publichealth @nihr.bsky.social
The rise of no/lo: How the alcohol-free and low-alcohol market has developed in Great Britain - Sheffield Addictions Research Group
In this guest post, Dr Nathan Critchlow from the University of Stirling provides an overview of a paper published recently in the journal Drug and Alcohol Review. The study explores how commercial, go...
sarg-sheffield.ac.uk
September 11, 2025 at 3:30 PM
✨New on the SARG Blog✨ Nathan Critchlow gives an overview of a recent study which explored how commercial, government, and third-sector activities have shaped the rapid growth of the alcohol-free and low-alcohol market in Great Britain #nolo #publichealth @nihr.bsky.social