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The Sheffield Addictions Research Group (SARG) is inviting professionals from alcohol treatment and recovery services to give their insights to a new study investigating the guidance provided to service users regarding alcohol-free drinks.

Led by Dr Parvati Perman-Howe and funded by the Mental Health Research Incubator, the project aims to map the nature and diversity of advice currently offered to service users across the UK.

Why this research matters

Alcohol-free drinks have seen a rapid rise in popularity, leading to an ongoing debate about whether they are good for public health. While much of this discussion focuses on the general population, there is a critical need to understand how these products affect those at the greatest risk of alcohol-related harm.

Currently, no formal clinical guidelines exist to help practitioners advise on the consumption of alcohol-free drinks by people with alcohol use disorders. As highlighted in a recent paper led by SARG Director Professor John Holmes, there is a notable absence of robust evidence to confirm whether these products effectively support harm reduction or, conversely, risk triggering cravings and relapse.

About the study

This study aims to improve our understanding of the advice around alcohol-free drinks currently being given to people seeking support from alcohol recovery and treatment services in the UK. Through a nationwide survey the study will gather data on:

• the extent to which service users are asking, or being asked, about alcohol-free drinks
• the specific types of advice being given by different organisations
• what service providers believe are the benefits and risks of these products

Once the study is complete we will publish a report of our findings. This early work will support SARG's longer-term goal of securing funding to support the development of clinical guidance.

How you can support our research

The study survey is live until the end of March 2026. We are inviting professionals aged 18 or over who have worked in user-facing roles for non-NHS alcohol recovery and treatment services during the last two years to share their experiences.

Your input can help ensure our record of current UK practice is accurate and representative. The survey takes approximately 15–20 minutes to complete and all responses are completely anonymous.

View the Participant Information Sheet for more on the study's aims and data handling.

SARG research into alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks

This study forms part of SARG's broader research into the public health impact of alcohol-free drinks. It links closely with our four-year, NIHR-funded No/Lo Project, which is evaluating the public health implications of alcohol-free and low-alcohol (no/lo) products. Our research team has spoken with people in recovery and those actively trying to cut down their alcohol consumption to understand their perspectives on alcohol-free drinks. Findings from this work will be published soon.

In addition, Dr Parvati Perman-Howe has been awarded funding to investigate the emerging market for mid-strength alcohol drinks – products that are lower in alcohol than traditional versions but still strong enough to cause harm. 

Links and further reading

No/Lo Project – SARG's major four-year study evaluating the public health impact of alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks in Great Britain.

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? – An editorial in Addiction exploring the clinical dilemma practitioners face when advising high-risk groups on alcohol-free products.

How should public health respond to the rise of alcohol-free drinks? – A BMJ analysis discussing the regulatory and health challenges posed by the growing no/lo market.

Trends in use of alcohol-free or low alcohol drinks in attempts to reduce alcohol consumption in Great Britain, 2020-2024: a population-based study – Original research in BMJ Public Health showing a significant rise in the use of alcohol-free drinks among high-risk drinkers, alongside a continued low uptake of evidence-based support.

Do Non-Alcoholic Drinks Actually Help You Stay Sober? – John Holmes talks to Nautilus magazine about the potential benefits and risks of alcohol-free drinks for people recovering from alcohol use disorder.

Regulation of alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks: Learning from a comparative analysis of eight countries – International research in Drug and Alcohol Review exploring how different nations regulate these products and the implications for policy.

Characteristics of consumers of alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks in Great Britain: A cross-sectional study – Research published in Drug and Alcohol Review identifying who is buying these products and their primary motivations for doing so.

Development of the alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks market in Great Britain from 2011 to 2022: A narrative timeline – A study in Drug and Alcohol Review documenting how commercial and government activities have shaped the rapid growth of this sector.

Dr Parvati Perman-Howe: NIHR Career Development Award – Details on research investigating the emerging market for mid-strength alcohol drinks and its impact on public health.