Wiley: Drug and Alcohol Review: Table of Contents

Prevalence of Unrecorded Alcohol Consumption and Associated Factors: Findings From a Nationally Representative Survey in Thailand in 2022

Sukhontha Siri, Nanapas Bhagaman, Sawitri Assanangkornchai, Jiraluck Nontarak — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 19:34:19 -0700

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Evidence from the World Health Organization shows that measures exist to regulate both recorded and unrecorded alcohol. In Thailand, comprehensive evidence on the amount of unrecorded alcohol consumed is lacking. This study aims to quantify the prevalence of unrecorded alcohol consumption and determine associated factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to August 2022. Thai residents aged 15 years or above were recruited from 15 provinces, including Bangkok, using stratified multi-stage sampling. Types of unrecorded alcohol included surrogate, home-brewed, smuggled or industrially produced illegal and duty-free outlet products. Annual alcohol consumption was calculated by multiplying the daily quantity by the estimated number of drinking days.

Results

Among 3924 participants, unrecorded alcohol constituted 4.4% (95% CI 4.3–4.4) of the total alcohol consumption (10.9 million of 248.5 million litres/year). The annual unrecorded pure alcohol intake per current drinker was 2.2 L. Drinkers aged 45–59 years had the highest prevalence of unrecorded alcohol consumption (13.2%), while those aged 60 years and over had the largest share (10.0%). Consumption was higher in males (2.5 L/year) compared to females (0.5 L/year) and heavy episodic drinking individuals (3.2 L/year) compared to non-heavy episodic drinking individuals (0.9 L/year).

Discussion and Conclusions

Although middle-aged adults had the highest consumption rates, the greatest intensity of intake and, therefore, potential for harm, was seen among older-aged and heavy episodic drinking individuals. Given the risks of unknown ethanol concentrations and contaminants in unrecorded products, policymakers should prioritise high-intensity users over overall prevalence to better mitigate risks within Thailand's alcohol consumption profile.

Adapting ‘The Grog App’ to Ask Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples About Their Drinking in Primary Healthcare: A Delphi Study

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 19:30:48 -0700

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Alcohol screening in primary healthcare services, including Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, may encounter barriers. These include time constraints, competing health priorities and sensitivities about the topic. Digital tools like the Grog App, validated in population settings, offer potential opportunities to overcome these barriers.

Methods

We conducted a three-round Delphi study to gain consensus on items to include in a digital alcohol screening tool for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people accessing primary healthcare services (‘Grog Check’). Twelve Australian health experts, of whom a majority were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders (67%, n = 8/12), evaluated the clinical importance of potential items (consensus level: 80%). Panellists had expertise in drug and alcohol, primary care, addiction medicine and Indigenous health.

Results

Half of the 42 questions, relating to 24 items, reached consensus. Panellists agreed that the screening tool should be brief and culturally relevant. Of the 24 items, there was consensus on 17 including pregnancy, episodic drinking, harms and dependence. Panellists agreed on asking individuals about worries from their own drinking but were divided on asking about worries from others' drinking. There was consensus to ask about dependence, but no agreement if everyone should be asked or only high-risk individuals. Panellists endorsed including a ‘cheat-sheet’ to guide clinicians on interpretating results and next steps.

Discussion and Conclusions

We identified questions for a digital alcohol screening tool (Grog Check). This app has the potential to support clinicians and enable safer ways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to describe their drinking in primary healthcare settings.

Alcohol Use and Women's Nutritional Status in India: Evidence From a Peer‐Based Instrumental Variable Approach

Deepak Kumar, Manzoor Malik — Sun, 31 May 2026 21:36:36 -0700

ABSTRACT

Introduction

This paper estimates the effect of women's alcohol use on body mass index (BMI) and related indicators of nutritional outcomes in India.

Methods

Using nationally representative data from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey, we employ an instrumental variables strategy that leverages peer drinking prevalence within district–age clusters to address the endogeneity of alcohol use. The instrument captures local exposure to social drinking norms while mitigating reflection bias through a leave-one-out construction.

Results

The results show a robust and significant negative relationship between drinking and women's nutritional outcomes. After correcting for endogeneity, alcohol use is associated with lower BMI and a reduced likelihood of being overweight. These effects are consistent across caste groups, residence types and policy environments, with stronger impacts observed among women from rural or socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Discussion and Conclusions

The findings suggest that household resource constraints and the social stigma surrounding women's drinking jointly contribute to these outcomes. By providing evidence on the nutritional effects of alcohol use, this study highlights an overlooked dimension of women's health in developing contexts. The analysis also extends peer-based identification strategies to the study of nutrition and health behaviour, offering new insights into how social norms shape gendered health disparities.

Experiences of a Pre‐Treatment Sober Month in Individuals With Alcohol Use Disorder Pursuing Controlled Drinking Goals

Sun, 31 May 2026 21:35:00 -0700

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Interest in managing alcohol-related risks through temporary abstinence challenges has grown significantly. Studies on abstinence challenges in the general population show improvements in for example mental health, blood pressure, insulin resistance and alcohol consumption, but studies in clinical samples are lacking, including qualitative research on patients' perspectives on such a clinical intervention. This study aimed to explore the patients' experiences of a sober month before initiating psychological treatment for controlled drinking.

Methods

A qualitative interview study (n = 14) was conducted at a specialised addiction clinic in Stockholm, Sweden. Participants were recruited within a randomised controlled trial examining a sober month as an adjunct to psychological treatment for controlled drinking. Data were analysed with applied thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes were identified: (i) Breaking the cycle of habitual drinking; (ii) Regaining control; (iii) A sober month made abstinence a more prominent part of goals; and (iv) A failed attempt at sobriety as a setback to change. A sober month was perceived as positive for most patients and became a challenge that increased the sense of control and perceived ability to abstain. The benefits of the sober month made participants consider more restrictive goals or abstinence over time. Not being able to abstain made participants less motivated and reconsidered controlled drinking as their goal.

Discussion and Conclusions

Having a sober month can increase awareness of the ability to abstain and guide patients toward lower consumption goals. To reduce the risks of negative consequences, it is important to identify and support those who do not manage to abstain.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: 47033189

Correction to “Exploring Age and Sex Differences in the Use of Cannabis Vaping Products: Results From the Canadian Cannabis Survey 2020–2023”

Fri, 29 May 2026 21:37:52 -0700

Drug and Alcohol Review, Volume 45, Issue 5, July 2026.

Issue Information

Mon, 25 May 2026 21:46:36 -0700

Drug and Alcohol Review, Volume 45, Issue 5, July 2026.

Alcohol Use Disorder: A Confused Concept?

James Morris — Mon, 25 May 2026 21:45:50 -0700

Drug and Alcohol Review, Volume 45, Issue 5, July 2026.