Alcohol Focus Scotland

@alcoholfocus

Scotland's national charity working to prevent and reduce the harm caused by alcohol. Website: Alcohol Free Childhood Campaign:

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Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· 2d

Whether it's cutting down a little or cutting out alcohol altogether, for lots of people it's not about hitting a 'rock bottom'. Read Natalie's Story 🔽 t.co/yuMa68QmO5

Image of Natalie with quote text reading: “I wasn’t an alcoholic, but I didn’t like who I became when I drank.
I didn’t realise it at the time, but alcohol did have it’s pro’s and cons. In the short term, I was content with the former and was happy to let the repercussions slide. I leaned on alcohol to be funnier, louder, and more confident, and I loved feeling like this when I was socialising. It made those around me appear more fun, and it could enhance a boring situation. I felt that if I struck the right balance between tipsy and drunk, drinking gave my mind a break, and I felt carefree.”

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· 3d

The alcohol industry is only too happy to lean into and encourage feelings and notions that alcohol and drinking are a central part of our cultural heritage. Do we really want to be known as a nation of heavy drinkers though? Read Shane's story 🔽 www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/shanes-story/

Image of Shane featuring quote text reading: “Across Ireland and the UK, it seems almost everyone drinks at almost everything. Unfortunately, it’s what we’re known for.

For me, the decision to not drink which began in Ireland genuinely made me feel as though I was rejecting my home and culture.”

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· 14d

We've just published our eFocus newsletter for July 2026 📰 Check it out for the latest news, policy developments, research and events from Alcohol Focus Scotland and beyond! mailchi.mp/662f393dca08...

An image with title eFocus - July 2026

Bullet points reading:

Alcohol Action Network Launched
Scottish Alcohol Sales Decrease in 2025
Children and young people have a right to a childhood free from alcohol marketing
Study reveals young people's concerns over alcohol sponsorship in sport
AFS at Recovery Connects
Digital Intoxication: Alcohol Marketing explained – a new IAS documentary

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· 20d

Thanks to @caramckeegreens.bsky.social for her motion at the #ScottishParliament on #AlcoholAwarenessWeek and also mentioning our new lived and living experience project - the Alcohol Action Network. Find out more about the Network on our website www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/alcoholactio...

Image featuring text top left reading 'Alcohol Action Network' behind an image of volunteers.

Text body reading: We’re looking for people with lived and living experience of alcohol related harm to join our new Alcohol Action Network!

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· Jul 13

Last chance to apply! ⏰ We are looking for a creative, energetic and experienced Business Development Manager. Deadline is 9am tomorrow. Apply below 🔽 www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/about-vacanc...

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· Jul 8

Could you be our new Business Development Manager? You’ll work directly with the CEO and Board to create & implement an income generation strategy, identifying & pursuing charitable and commercial opportunities for growth. Apply below 🔽 https://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/about-vacancies/

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· Jul 7

Have you got experience of alcohol harm - whether due to your own or someone else's alcohol use? Passionate about making a difference? Our Alcohol Action Network could be for you! Find out more and apply below 🔽 https://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/alcoholactionnetwork/

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· Jul 6

Disappointing to read comments from @andyburnham.bsky.social over the weekend on alcohol in football grounds, particularly from a former Health Secretary. Alcohol deaths remain near record highs. That calls for action to reduce the availability of alcohol - not increase it.

Image of Sophie Bridger, AFS Policy Manager with text quote reading: “We’re deeply disappointed to read Andy Burnham’s comments on the sale of alcohol in football grounds, particularly given his previous Cabinet role as Health Secretary.

“Alcohol deaths in the UK remain near record highs. Increasing the availability of alcohol would not only likely increase those harms in the immediate term but would further increase children’s exposure to alcohol and alcohol marketing – which we know leads to earlier onset drinking and increases the risk of future alcohol problems, sowing the seeds of still greater alcohol harm in the future.

“Rather than expanding the availability of alcohol in sport, it’s time we started to question the relationship between sport – ostensibly an activity that should promote health and wellbeing – and alcohol.”

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· Jul 6

Passionate about making a difference? ✅ Have lived experience of alcohol harm? ✅ This #AlcoholAwarenessWeek why not apply to join our new Alcohol Action Network? Find out more and apply 🔽 www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/alcoholactio...

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· Jul 3

We're recruiting 📢 We’ve been tackling alcohol harm for over half a century. We are now looking for a creative, energetic and experienced Business Development Manager to help us achieve even more. Apply here 🔽 https://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/about-vacancies/

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· Jul 2

New @publichealthscot.bsky.social data shows the volume of alcohol sold continued to fall in 2025. However, those who drink are consuming an average of 20.7 units per week – more than the Chief Medical Officers’ low-risk guidelines of 14 units. www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/news/news/sc...

Image of Sophie Bridger, Policy Manager, Alcohol Focus Scotland with text quote reading:

"While it is encouraging that alcohol consumption in Scotland has fallen by 15% since 2017, too many people are still drinking at levels that harm their health.

“Minimum unit pricing has helped reduce consumption, but alcohol-related harm remains unacceptably high. The new Scottish Government must take decisive action to cut alcohol consumption further by tackling relentless alcohol marketing and reforming the licensing system.”

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· Jun 25

We've just published our eFocus newsletter for June 📰 Check it out for all the latest in alcohol harm prevention policy, research and events. mailchi.mp/beb3b0d40b90...

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· Jun 17

At Tuesday’s FMQs Carol Mochan MSP raised a question about children's exposure to alcohol marketing during major sporting events, including the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games. The response from @johnswinney.bsky.social was disappointing. www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/news/news/fm...

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· Jun 16

We're hiring 📢 As Scotland’s national alcohol charity, we’ve been tackling alcohol harm for over half a century. We are now looking for a creative, energetic and experienced Business Development Manager to help us achieve even more. Apply here 🔽 www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/about-vacanc...

Image of empty chairs with text reading: 'We're hiring!'

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· Jun 15

This week is #CPAW2026 Just 1.3% of alcohol products include warnings relating to cancer or liver disease. We believe you deserve clear, trustworthy information about your health. It's time to make clear health warnings on alcohol products mandatory!

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· Jun 12

Next week is #CPAW2026 Just 1.3% of alcohol products include warnings relating to cancer or liver disease. We believe you deserve clear, trustworthy information about your health. It's time to make clear health warnings on alcohol products mandatory!

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· Jun 8

New analysis from AFS and @UK_AHA has confirmed that alcohol companies are keeping consumers in the dark about health risks Read more 🔽 www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/news/news/on...

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· Jun 8

Alcohol services have a duty to be #LGBT inclusive and acceptable. The LGBT community experiences significantly higher levels of alcohol harm. This #SDF eLearning course is an excellent introduction for those working in alcohol services. sdflearningcentre.org.uk/courses/lgbt...

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· Jun 5

AFS was delighted to join the @aha-uk.bsky.social at Westminster this Wednesday for the launch of our new report on alcohol labelling A welcome opportunity to chat with MPs about the need for mandatory labelling on alcohol products.

Image depicting AFS and AHA staff at Westminster with copies of new alcohol labelling report displayed on table in front.

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· Jun 5

78% of UK adults support clearer health & nutrition info on alcohol products. New analysis from AHA and AFS found: ▪️1 in 4 don't inc units per serve ▪️Only 13% inc full nutritional info ▪️Only 7% inc health warnings Mandatory alcohol labelling is needed to make informed choices about our health.

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· Jun 4

Help dad smell beautiful instead of like a brewery this #FathersDay A bottle of scent beats a bottle of booze! #ThinkOutsideTheBottle

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· Jun 2

June is #PrideMonth 🏳️‍🌈 Recent UK Census data found that #LGB people are twice as likely to die an #AlcoholDeath Trans people experience even higher levels of alcohol harm Alcohol services have a duty to ensure they are acceptable and inclusive for the #LGBT community

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· May 28

We've just published our eFocus newsletter for May 📰 Check it out for all the latest in alcohol harm prevention policy, research and events. mailchi.mp/a4392faff5de...

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· May 28

We believe that #AlcoholMarketing has no place in childhood, and that children have the right to play, learn and socialise in places that are healthy and safe. Alexandra Taylor of @alcoholchangeuk.bsky.social explains why they support our Alcohol-Free Childhood campaign. #AlcoholFreeKids

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· May 25

When you're reading a news article criticising egregious #AlcoholMarketing targeting children and young people and you glance at the ad to your right...🤦 #BuzzBallz @ias.org.uk

Image of newspaper article featuring an alcohol advertisement on the right.

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· May 21

The new #ScottishCabinet has now been announced. We published the first of a new series of monthly blogs from our CEO @carolynl.bsky.social where she shares her hopes for the next Parliament www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/news/news/in... @angelaconstance.bsky.social @mareetodd.bsky.social

Image of AFS CEO Carolyn Lochhead with text quote reading: “For the fifty-plus families in Scotland who will lose someone to alcohol this week, it’s already too late. But for the one in five people in Scotland still drinking at levels that put their health at risk there is still time.

“We can prevent other families experiencing the devastation of losing someone to alcohol: and every MSP has a role to play.”

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· May 19

We asked people in Glasgow whether they thought Scotland has a problem with alcohol. The answer was a resounding yes. We want to see the new Scottish Government end the half measures and get serious about tackling alcohol harm. #NoMoreHalfMeasures

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· May 15

This week is #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek Alcohol can worsen existing #MentalHealth issues and even cause new ones Download our #AlcoholAwareness posters for display in your workplace or service 🔽 www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/resources/?c...

Image of AFS Alcohol Awareness Poster on Mental Health

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· May 11

The @ONS has today published the latest alcohol specific deaths figures for the UK In 2024, there were 9,809 deaths caused solely by alcohol across the UK Read our response 🔽 www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/news/news/af...

Image of AFS CEO Carolyn Lockhead with quote text reading:

“It’s good news that today’s figures show a year-on-year reduction in deaths caused by alcohol in Scotland. But alcohol is still responsible for more deaths here than in England and Wales. Each of these numbers represent real people – someone’s parent, sibling, or friend – who lost their lives too early. While Scotland was once a world leader in tackling the harm caused by alcohol, in recent years we have fallen woefully behind.

“The new Scottish Government must take decisive action and follow through on previous commitments to address the relentless marketing of alcohol, as well expand lifesaving liver screening and invest in alcohol treatment. Unless we get serious about tackling alcohol harm, we will continue to see increasing deaths, ill-health and costs to the economy”.

Alcohol Focus Scotland@alcoholfocus· May 7

Our CEO Carolyn Lochhead is the guest on the latest episode of the #ScottishDrugsForum #DrugsUncut Podcast 🎙️ Carolyn discusses her new role, the current alcohol policy landscape & our hopes for the future - with a new Scottish Parliament being elected drugsuncut.podbean.com/e/alcohol-po...