Blog

Alcohol in A&E: the impact our data can’t see

By Dr Chris Humphries, emergency medicine doctor and researcher, University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian A new analysis of a year of emergency department attendances...

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Some Difficult Issues

By Professor Moira Plant A number of contributors will explore Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) as part of FASD Awareness Month. FASD is usually viewed...

International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Day 2026: Reflecting on Progress and Challenges for FASD in Scotland

International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Day takes place on the 9th day of the 9th month, reflecting the nine months of pregnancy during which...

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...

The alcohol industry targets women – but alcohol policies are largely gender-blind

By Professor Carol Emslie, Scottish Alcohol Research Network Co-Chair, Glasgow Caledonian University This blog post by Prof Carol Emslie reveals how little we know about...

New Eyes on an Old Problem: Alcohol Marketing, Industry Influence and Scotland’s Strategic Plan

SHAAP Policy & Communications Officer, Lisa Davie, reflects on her first two months in the role, what she’s learned about alcohol marketing and industry influence,...

Doubling Down on Recovery: How Scotland Transformed Access to Residential Rehab

Introduction When I wrote my first SHAAP blog on residential rehabilitation (RR) in Scotland – five years ago – we were just starting a long‑overdue...

What a journey: Cultivating Cultural Recovery Pathways for Black and Asian Communities in Scotland

What a journey. Was it simple? No. Was it powerful? Absolutely. Cultivating Cultural Recovery Pathways for Black and Asian Communities in Scotland culminated in a...

From Rock Bottom to Recovery: My Journey Through Addiction, Culture, and Community

To celebrate Recovery Month, Jit shares his journey from addiction to recovery. His story is a powerful testament to resilience, cultural identity, and the role...

Understanding Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): A Resource for Healthcare Professionals and the Public in Scotland

This information is shared by Dougie K, the Public Information (PI) Liaison Officer for Edinburgh and Midlothian, and a member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) with...

Recovery Walk Scotland: A National Celebration of Hope, Strength & Change

September is Recovery Month, and the Scottish Recovery Consortium will hold its annual Recovery Walk to make recovery visible in Scotland. In our latest blog,...

Alcohol & Cancer: Myth-busting and Secondary Prevention

John Mooney, Consultant in Public Health, discusses the links between alcohol and cancer at a population level and makes a case for incorporating behaviour risk...